Michelle Young spent her early years in the small rural town of Paeroa on the edge of the Hauraki Plains. She moved to Whangarei where she completed her schooling, before heading to Auckland to embark on a degree in Geography. The formation of societies, patterns of life, and the shaping of culture all intrigued her, and saw her fitting in papers on Psychology, Theology, and Māori where possible, alongside her major.
After graduating, Michelle travelled overseas and joined those working in the global church. When she returned she worked in her local church for five years, while completing a graduate diploma in Theology. She then managed a non-profit trust in South Auckland working with those on the margins of society.
Michelle joined Venn at its establishment in September 2013 and currently serves as a Teaching Fellow and the Director of Summer Conference and Public Events. She also serves on the vestry at St Paul’s Symonds Street and is currently continuing her Theological studies through Regent College, Vancouver.