Michelle Velez

Michelle graduated from Warren High School in Downey, California with the class of 2002. She then attended Franklin Career College in Norwalk and achieved a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding in 2007. Between 2002 and 2008, her outgoing personality and ability to converse were a good match for her employment in various positions in Southern California as an Administrative Assistant, Spanish Translator, Emergency Room Patient Representative, and Customer Service Representative. After moving to Sacramento, Michelle attended classes at Sacramento City College between 2010 and 2016 where she majored in Communications and Public Relations.

In January, 2015, Michelle started working with the State of California, Department of Rehabilitation as a Seasonal Clerk. She was promoted to a permanent position as an Office Technician – Typing in June, 2016, and she was employed in a specialized unit helping California youth with disabilities achieve employment, independence, equality at the time of her passing. She was a member of the Women’s Ministry at the New Season Christian Worship Center and proud Alumni Member of the Saint John’s Women and Children Center. Having turned her life around, she was also a beloved member of Narcotics Anonymous with a wide circle of friends in recovery. In her spare time, she enjoyed volunteering at her children’s school, attending recovery meetings, salsa dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends, family and children.