Member

Lubbock, Texas

Ms. Crain is a native of the Texas Panhandle. She attended West Texas A&M University, where she completed her Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology and her Master's Degree in Psychology. Prior to joining the Independent Living Movement, Michelle interned as an Associate Psychologist with the Texas Panhandle Mental Health Authorities. Her IL interest began as a Housing Consultant to the Enterprise Foundation, which included facilitating projects that would increase housing opportunities for people with disabilities. She also served as a Housing Specialist, responsible for the administration of a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program.

Michelle currently resides in Lubbock, Texas, where she has been the Executive Director of the LIFE/RUN Center for Independent Living for over seven years. As Executive Director, Michelle has been successful at securing funding from various federal, state and local entities to establish innovative programs, such as youth and nursing home transition, tenant-based rental assistance, energy assistance, interpreting services, and personal assistant services projects. She is the President of the Texas Association of Centers for Independent Living (TACIL), and appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas State Independent Living Council, where she has served for over 4 years.