meet Michelle - founder of owl Enlightment
Michelle -Founder of Owl Enlightment.
Michelle is the founder of Owl Enlightment, an organisation built around a deep respect for owls, their individuality, and their right to choice. After working with owls for over six years, Michelle’s passion has grown strongest through working with rescued owls that have come from neglect, inappropriate ownership and difficult past experiences. These birds have shaped not only the way she works with owls, but the way she sees the world. Her approach is centred around trust, patience and voluntary interaction. Rather than asking, “How can I make this owl do something?” Michelle asks, “How can I help this owl feel safe enough to choose to do it?” Working with these owls has also taught her an unexpected amount about people. Behaviour often has a story behind it. Trust can take time. Progress doesn’t look the same for everyone, and sometimes what someone — or an owl — needs most is simply patience, space and the opportunity to move forward at their own pace. Through Owl Enlightment, Michelle combines education, welfare and positive reinforcement training to encourage a more compassionate way of understanding owls — while sharing a message that reaches much further: Understanding begins when judgement ends. |
My Journey
A Little About My Journey Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend much of my life surrounded by them, and my love for their care and wellbeing led me to complete a National Diploma in Animal Care and become involved in rescuing and helping wildlife. Caring for others has also been a big part of my working life. Over the years, I’ve worked in education as a Teaching Associate Lecturer and supported children with special educational needs (SEN). I’ve also worked as a personal trainer and massage therapist, helping people with their health, wellbeing and confidence. Although these roles may seem quite different, there has always been one thing connecting them: a genuine desire to help. Whether it’s been supporting a person who needs a little extra encouragement, caring for an injured wild animal, or dedicating myself to the owls I work with today, looking after people and animals has always been at the heart of what I do. In many ways, working with the owls feels like a natural continuation of a lifelong journey — one built around compassion, understanding, patience and giving both people and animals the care they deserve. |