AMBITION Board Member

Michelle Rose Gilman started Fusion Academy in 1989 with six students who were transitioning out of psychiatric day treatment facilities. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida, as well as a certification in Special Education (Emotional Handicaps K-12 concentration). In 2018, Michelle founded The Wanderlust Warrior Project which empowers young women ages 13-23. 

Prior to launching Fusion Academy, she spent 10 years teaching and tutoring students with emotional needs and learning differences, coordinating a special-education treatment center, and creating social-skills and self-esteem workshops for children of all ages. Michelle is the author of ten books. She also is a contributing Blogger for the Huffington Post. She sits on the board for the following non-profit organizations, The Invisible Disability Project, Fusion Scholarship Foundation, Neurologics, and Rock to Recovery. Michelle is dedicated to helping women succeed through her organization and private practice called The Well-Heeled Warrior. She has been honored to receive many awards during her career, including the San Diego Business Journal Most Admired CEOs, Women Who Mean Business Awards and the Inc. 500 Top Women Run Companies. Fusion Academy has placed on the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Organizations for 4 years. She is also the artist behind Featherpunk Studio and owns the jewelry line W The Collection. In her non-existent free time she writes what's in her heart, gardens, and spends time with her son Noah, her husband Peter, her gorgeous mama, Linda and her fabulous, flatulent Boston Terrior, Wookiee!