About

Michelle White graduated from Temple University Summa Cum Laude with a Bs in Education for Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and received the Presidential Scholar Award upon graduating in 1974. Following the birth of her third child, Katie, who has Down syndrome, she dedicated her life to teaching special needs children. She earned her Masters Degree from Alvernia University in Special Education grades K-12. She has taught as St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Downingtown, Pa, Special Needs Teens at New Life in Schwenksville, PA and also Special Needs Teens at the Reading ICU for Reading High School.

Michelle White is a seasoned artist who began formal training at the age of 10 at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. She has since done graduate work at the Institute of the Arts in Philadelphia and the world acclaimed Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Mrs. White did Graduate work at the University of the Arts and The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, both located in Philadelphia, PA. While studying at both these schools she studied drawing, watercolor, oil painting and sculpture.

Artist

Michelle and Kate

For the past 35 years she has worked in charcoal and is mostly known for her photographic portraits. White has been invited to speak about her art at various venues, from high schools to women’s groups, churches, and teacher training seminars. She has presented her work to as few as 10 people and up to groups of 500 participants. These presentations have encompassed topics such as healing the family and her spiritual journey.

2018 marks a new chapter in her artwork to include bold color in oil paintings and pastels of flowers and landscapes. Being an avid gardener, she paints what she knows . . . flowers. But there is more. She has traveled in Ireland, Russia, Nova Scotia, Italy, and Guatemala during which time she has amassed numerous images of landscapes in various lights and atmospheres. Her style ranges from realism to impressionism.

White has won many awards for her artwork and been featured in several publications. In addition to art exhibits, White has been invited to speak about her artwork in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

Recognized Speaker

Michelle White is a member of St. Columbkill Parish, Boyertown, in the Diocese of Allentown, PA. She is an approved speaker by the Diocese of Allentown, PA and has been active in her parish as cantor, PREP teacher, lector, and Eucharistic Minister.

Michelle has been speaking publicly for 35 years. She has given talks to small groups of 10 to 20 people and up to large groups of 400 people. Usually she speaks at high schools, church gatherings, youth groups, religious ed classes, and missionary groups. Her speaking engagements have taken her to Brooklyn, NY, New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Her husband, John, also accompanies her for duet singing during the talks.

Sample of Topics

  • Healing the Family with a Disabled Loved One

  • First Holy Communion, the Most Important Sacrament

  • Confirmation and Why it Matters

  • Inclusion in the Classroom

  • Pro Life and Special Needs Children

  • Healing the Marriage

  • Forgiveness, the Key to Freedom

  • How to Hear God

  • Surviving the Teen Years

  • The Divine Mercy of Jesus

Song of Songs 2 “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”

Bird of Paradise

Some of the organizations where she has presented include:

Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA Retreat day for Moms with Special Needs Children.

St. Mary’s Parish, Kutztown, PA Art Show & Presentation

Sandy Cove Retreat Center, North East, MD Presentation at Women’s Retreat.

Lancaster County Bible College, Lancaster, PA Presentation to Ladies’ Guild

St. Catharine of Sienna Parish, Reading, PA Art Show & Presentation

University of St. Francis de Sales, Allentown, PA Art Show

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Huntington Valley, PA Art Show

Divine Mercy Retreat at Malvern Retreat House, Malvern, PA Art Show and Talk.

St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Quarryville, PA Presentation

Intermediate Unit of Chester County, PA Presentation to Parents of Special Needs Children

Intermediate Unit of Chester County, PA Presentation to Teachers of Special Needs Children