Michelle DeGroot, M.S., ACC, is a Senior Associate with Weiss International Ltd. with a specialty in leadership coaching for indigenous populations. She also is the co-developer and co-facilitator of the Indigenous Coach Training Program which is a 4-month certificate granting program grounded in culture and that allows space for participants to share their cultural teachings and strengthen their coaching practice.

Michelle is accredited through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Michelle coaches for various organizations, agencies, and companies in the areas of health, human resources, post secondary and governments (federal, provincial and First Nation).  Her coaching approach supports her belief that a proactive approach to finding one’s own solutions is rewarding and helps to build confidence. Michelle’s coaching approach creates a safe space for individuals to gain insight into their specific professional and personal goals guided by holistic considerations. This coaching approach also aligns with her approach in the Indigenous Coach Training Program.

Michelle has developed and applied leadership and professional skills for 25 years while working on many transformative initiatives. For the last 19 years, it has been specifically in the health and wellness field mostly with the First Nations Health Authority, Canada’s first and only provincial First Nations health authority.  Michelle has held several roles with the First Nations Health Authority including interim Vice President, Community Health and Wellness Services, and Vice President, Regional Operations. Previously, she was a Director on the First Nation Chiefs Health Committee leading policy development and advocacy initiatives for elected First Nations leadership. While working for Indigenous non-profits, her key contributions were in the areas of coaching, strategic and tactical planning, team building, relationship building, and organizational development (within one organization and amongst partners including governments, First Nations, health authorities, and other non-profit organizations).

Michelle has her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the Faculty of Health, both from Simon Fraser University, in addition to her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) certificate from the International Coaching Federation.