Michelle was Admissions Director at CooperRiis before her promotion to become Managing Director at the newly launched PHP, Partial Hospitalization Program, and the Asheville Community Program.
“I enjoy connecting families and individuals to the strong person-centered recovery community environment at CooperRiis.”
Michelle previously worked as a therapist in community mental health on an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) in Jackson, Swain, and Macon Counties, North Carolina. Individuals she worked with had been diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and had frequent psychiatric hospitalizations. She and her team members helped clients achieve their goals by supporting and establishing long-term client relationships, proving that they were more than just their diagnosis.
Michelle has also worked with persons with a history of dual diagnosis and trauma at an Asheville Program before starting their Substance Abuse Partial Hospitalization.
Michelle Nirde earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Knox College, IL, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Jane Addams College of Social Work, The University of Illinois at Chicago, IL.
Her graduate school internship requirements were an internship in community mental health, working with children, counseling young adults in jobs, and career training with a strong focus on social justice.
Michelle is a dog momma to a three-year-old rescue golden retriever mix. Together they enjoy exploring the beauty of Western North Carolina. She also delights in cooking and spending time with her family.
