A Leader In Life

The past year has been a hard one for my niece, Michelle Miller…probably the hardest she has ever faced. Shortly before her birthday, her mother, Alena Stevens was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away on April 23, 2025. There is no easy way to lose your mother, no matter how young or how old she may have been. Our parents are like our anchor, and we feel their loss deeply. Michelle is the oldest of my sister and brother-in-law, Mike Stevens’ children. She and her siblings, Garrett Stevens and Lacey Killinger have done their very best to be supportive of their dad as he and they grieve Alena’s loss. They have been very strong for each other, and that is no easy task when one is hurting.

Michelle, being the eldest sibling, always seemed to be the take charge person. Siblings seem to look up to the eldest among them or at least look to them for leadership. Michelle has always proven herself to be a leader in her life. Michelle has always been an artist, and her work very much impresses me. I would love to have her skill, but that is definitely not to be. Michelle and her husband, Matt have been renovating the home they purchased a while back. The heavy work is being done by Matt and his dad, but the design work will be all Michelle, I’m sure. The work they have done so far, has been amazing, and I know that the rest of the house will be amazing too. Michelle comes by her design talents from her mom. Both of them could make a room or home look stunning. It is a blessing to be so capable.

Michelle, a degreed art teacher, had worked at the Nicolaysen Art Museum since graduating. Unfortunately, although she loved the Nic and her role there, being a nonprofit meant no opportunities for raises or promotions. In October, she began searching for a new job and received an offer from Phoenix Capital Investments, an oil and gas investment firm. Since starting there in November, she’s really been enjoying her work, earning a significant pay raise, and seeing plenty of room for advancement. Michelle is highly capable and dedicated, and she’s sure to thrive in her new role. Today is Michelle’s birthday!! Happy birthday Michelle!! Have a great day!! We love you!!