News and Media

IN MEMORY OF MICHELLE MCMARTIN
(November 15, 1973 - October 1, 2024)

It is with sadness and gratitude that we remember Michelle McMartin. She was a friend, mentor, colleague, supervisor, teacher, advocate, and extraordinarily generous and kind human being. She was authentic and brought all of herself to everything she did. Her passion and enthusiasm were contagious and so evident in every relationship she had with colleagues and clients alike. We are all fortunate to have known her and learned from her. She inspired us to adopt some of her many qualities such as her acceptance, encouragement, laughter, and deep compassion for others. She made us better versions of ourselves. We will miss her tremendously and treasure the many gifts she gave us. We are grateful that she poured so much of herself into each of us so that a part of her will always be with us.

After earning her master’s degree in social work at Loyola University Chicago, Michelle began her career at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School in the ‘90s and worked as a therapist at the Juvenile Protective Association and as Clinical Supervisor at the Erikson Institute. She returned to the O School as Associate Director, then worked as a Staff Therapist at The Family Institute. She was beloved at each of these places and left an indelible mark on everyone she supervised and with whom she interacted. She came to The Kedzie Center first as a consultant and then in 2019 became our Associate Director. For the last two years, she found her happy place as EMHS Director of Clinical Training and Supervision. We are all honored to have had the privilege of working alongside her. Most recently, she served on the Board of the North River Commission on their Community Health and Safety Committee. Michelle brought joy and reflection to everything she did. We will remember her always and carry on her lifelong mission of providing quality services to those who needed it.

She is survived by her loving partner Craig and her cat Miah.

There will be a celebration of life in the weeks to come; we will share information once we have a date.