Michelle Covington MA

For over 30 years, Michelle has been a dedicated advocate for children and families experiencing behavioral health challenges. She brought her life and professional experience to the Federation in 2017. Michelle is passionate about social justice, believing firmly that every family should have access to the services they need for both their mental health and physical health. This commitment to parity shows in the work she does on behalf of the Federation in the evaluation of legislation, policy, and advocacy at both the national and state level. Michelle serves as a liaison with Federation affiliates, working closely with them to address issues at the state and local levels.

Michelle began her career as an intensive family preservation therapist and that core belief that the family is the expert on their family and that they are essential partners in services has driven her work and leadership of others throughout her career. Seeing a gap in services that were essential for families, Michelle worked with her agency and managed care organizations to create and fund a mobile therapy program that allowed therapists to go into the homes and work with children in counties where there was not easy access to children’s therapists. Additionally, she brings experience in directing community-based services for children at a statewide level that included case management, respite services, mobile therapy and grant programs providing intensive in-home services to drug-affected families.

Michelle has Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling. As the proud mother of two adult children, a Mimi to one, Michelle is dedicated to seeing that all children and families have access to the services they need to achieve their greatest potential.