Jump Start 2026

Michelle Pina’s career launched as a middle school teacher and quickly evolved into leadership roles. Experiences include professional development coordinator, federal grant director, and out-of-school time director for school districts. She has over 15 years of experience in leading and starting up self-funded OST programs for school districts and 25 years in education management. With kid-grit, Michelle is not only one of the passionate facilitators, she also works behind the scenes to ensure the needs of youth and adults are met across the country and that kid-grit keeps running smoothly. Outside of work (that often doesn't feel like work), Michelle loves being at home with her husband, fur babies and garden, sprinkled with time watching her nephews play ball, and traveling.