Michelle Ray
Teacher. Writer. Traveler. Whether in a Kansas classroom, a school in the Arabian Gulf, or somewhere far off the itinerary, I’ve spent thirty years learning that the most important lessons are the ones we least expected. I write personal essays and memoir, and I teach others to trust their own stories.
The Teacher
With over 25 years of teaching experience in four countries, I specialize in helping students develop deep literary understanding, critical thinking skills, and confidence in their own voices. Whether you’re navigating the IB Diploma Programme, preparing extended essays, or simply looking to strengthen your reading and writing skills, I bring expertise, cultural awareness, and genuine care to every tutoring session.
The Writer & Author
My work explores what it means to live between cultures and to build homes in temporary places. I question what even defines a home: Is it the place we’re born, the country whose passport we carry, or the accumulated rooms and cities where we’ve learned to belong? After decades of moving across continents, I’m fascinated by how we bring home with us and what we lose each time we leave. I’m particularly drawn to narratives about childhood, trauma, and resilience, shaped by my years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care and my training in trauma-informed care.
What Clients Say
“Michelle’s ability to listen and then provide a breakdown is truly a gift that everyone should experience.”
“Michelle’s calm, assuring nature is what set her Story Discovery session apart from other writing support I’ve engaged in. Feeling safe to share is the most important aspect, and she created that environment. She’s a good listener, and the questions she asked were a direct response to what I shared — including key questions that helped me clarify the purpose of my writing.”
Latest From The Blog
Dear Readers, I’m excited to share excerpts from the final draft of my memoir as part of my month-long series exploring conflict and pushback. Today, we explore boundaries: how they can both protect and limit us. As you read, I invite you to consider the boundaries in your...
My most popular post is back! I wanted to share it because I have more subscribers, and because I’m proud of the revisions. Enjoy! One afternoon, as I’m sifting through old boxes, I find an old journal: “Bahrain Days.” The date “August 20, 2003” appears in neat print...
