Career path to Richland Youth & Family Council director job included AU graduate classes

Taking graduate courses at Ashland University worked out really well for Michelle Miller for a couple of reasons.

First, they were available through a partnership between AU’s Columbus branch and Columbus City Schools, where she was working at the time.

Second, as a full-time literacy specialist for Columbus City Schools, Miller loved being able to take classes in the evening.

“I would absolutely recommend Ashland University for graduate work,” said Miller, who took intervention specialist/education and psychology graduate classes through AU. “The class offerings toward a graduate degree are beneficial for future goals and continuing career paths.”

Her continuing career path recently led to Richland County Youth & Family Council as its executive director, which she started on June. 1.

“I’m looking forward to meeting children and families where they are currently in their life, and watching the greatness of life unfold for them,” she said about her new job. “I am excited about being a support for children and families.”

The rapport she built with thousands of children and families over the years in the Columbus area, as well as the professional connections, are what she will miss most about moving her career path to Mansfield in Ohio’s Richland County.

In addition to being a literacy specialist, Miller also worked in early intervention for the Help Me Grow organization for Franklin County during her time in the Columbus area.

One of the things that attracted Miller to Richland County is that it reminded her of where she grew up – Tiffin, Ohio, in Seneca County.

“I knew I wanted to work in Richland County upon my first official adult visit back – I used to shop in Mansfield when I was younger,” Miller said. “I spent the last decade of my career working in a large urban setting. I am excited for this change.”

Miller moved to the Columbus area to attend college at Capital University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching. She also took Master of Education courses in special education and teaching from Ohio Dominican University in Columbus.

After graduating from Capital University in 2006, she taught for three years at an elementary school in Charlotte, North Carolina, and then returned to the Columbus area.

For the first interview for her new position, Miller said she suggested a plan she would execute if offered the job and, by her third interview, she proposed a five-year vision.

“My goal as executive director for the Richland County Youth and Family Council is to ensure that all children in Richland County become successful, thriving adults, and for that cycle to continue,” she said.