Michelle graduated from Glasgow University in 1998. She has been the Head of Veterinary Services for Bristol Zoological Society since 2010, responsible for the veterinary care of the animals at Bristol Zoo Gardens and Bristol Zoo Project. She has previously worked in exotic pet and zoo practice in the UK and also spent seven years working in South Africa, based at Johannesburg Zoo. She is a European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) and also holds the RCVS Certificate and Diploma (Avian) in Zoological Medicine as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Conservation Medicine from Murdoch University. She also teaches at Bristol Veterinary School and is a Secretary of State's Zoo Inspector.