SERVICES
About Me
My name is Michelle, and I am a UX Designer based in San Francisco. I was born and raised in Germany before immigrating to the United States during my high school years. Growing up between cultures shaped me into an open-minded, curious person—constantly learning, adapting, and seeking to understand the world from different perspectives.
For as long as I can remember, I've introduced myself to the world as a professional classical musician (flute). Each day was dedicated to perfecting my craft through countless hours of practice. By age 25, I had achieved what I once thought was the pinnacle of my career: performing with the San Francisco Symphony.
Yet, a single accident would rewrite my path. Just two weeks after sustaining brain trauma, I was confronted with the devastating reality that my fine motor skills had vanished.
I don’t think I will ever forget the heartbreak I felt when doctors told me I had suffered a brain injury affecting my sensorimotor cortex and basal ganglia. With only a 0.03% chance of diagnosis, there was no known cure, no path to recovery. I refused to accept that as my reality and became fixated on uncovering the "why." I essentially became a detective of my own disorder. I tracked and documented data on my symptoms, studied neurology and psychology, and tested countless theories, determined to regain control. And step by step, through trial and error, I made a full recovery, retraining my brain—outsmarting the very thing that had failed me.
My journey of resilience, problem-solving, and discovery reshaped my identity and ultimately led me to transition into UX design. Today, that same mindset fuels my work as a designer—analyzing complexities, identifying patterns, and crafting solutions that empower people.
From Musician to Designer
Just as I once deconstructed a musical phrase to refine every nuance, I now break down user experiences to make them intuitive, accessible, and impactful. My background as a musician trained me to recognize patterns, adapt quickly, and approach challenges with creativity and precision—skills that directly translate into my design work.
My transition as a classical musician to the realm of UX design is something I hold so close to my heart, as it represents my personal journey of finding happiness. It's a journey driven by my innate desire to understand and uplift others, blending the creativity of my inner artist with a profound curiosity for human psychology.
And in my free time? If I’m not immersed in design, you might find me on stage playing flute somewhere in San Francisco—or cuddled up with my 15-year-old Golden Retriever, Mexx, who has been my greatest source of unconditional love.
Adaptable
Resilience
Curious
Mind
Empathetic
Insight
Precise
Discipline