Hi, my name is Michele Cole, and I have 14 years of experience in the medical field and a background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have worked in nursing homes, home health, hospitals, residential treatment centers for teenagers, and psychiatric facilities. I enjoy working with teenagers to help teach them life skills and how to be productive in their adult life. I find working with teens is very rewarding, and I am proud to be a behavioral specialist at Ironwood. During the time I have been here I have seen kids grow and mature; families reunite and shed tears as new chapters begin in their teen’s life and students move on to college and adulthood. Ironwood is not easy for the troubled teen, but if a student can progress through the program and reach that day of graduation, he or she can handle anything and look forward to a successful, happy future. I am proud of the work I do, and I am proud of the kids that come through this program.

Raised in Maine, I enjoy the outdoors and have a deep passion for animals and working with teens. When I am not at Ironwood or Acadia Hospital, I like to spend time horseback riding, farming with my husband, watching movies and getting out in the great outdoors. My favorite quote is: “Don't follow where the path may lead... go where there is no path and leave a trail.”