200020052010201520202025 |
2001 Began volunteering for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation( JDRF)
2004 Became JDRF board member
2007 Named vice president of government relations for JDRF
2008 Returned to work at a financial planning firm
2009 Received certificate in accounting from Robert Morris University
2010 Passed FINRA Series 6 and Series 63 exams
2013 Began new JDRF board term; Renamed vice president of government relations
2015 Passed FINRA Series 7 Exam
2016 Began working at McKinley Carter Wealth Services
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2016 Passed FINRA Series 65 exam
2018 Passed Certified Financial Planning exam; Started tutoring at Madison Elementary School
2019 Became Wheeling regional manager of McKinley Carter Wealth Services
2023 Became YWCA Wheeling board member
2024 Joined St. Michael Parish Finance Council
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we had everything we needed to be successful in life.”
Michaels first considered pursuing an accounting career like her father, until her mother, a social worker, noticed Michaels’ personability and gently nudged her toward a more public-facing career in social work.
“ She was right,” Michaels says.“ While numbers interested me, what ultimately drew me to social work was the opportunity to help others become the best version of themselves.”
After earning a bachelor’ s degree in social work from West Virginia University( WVU) in 1990, working several years in the field and starting a family of her own, Michaels’ husband supported her next career move.
In 2009, Michaels graduated from Robert Morris University with a certificate in accounting and later received her Certified Financial Planner designation, the highest standard of excellence in the financial planning profession. In 2016, she joined McKinley Carter Wealth Services as a financial strategist and steadily moved up the professional ladder, including a recent Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation.
Michaels also serves as a regional manager for McKinley Carter Wealth Services, supporting career development for professionals in her region. For Michaels, supporting her colleagues through mentorship is both a responsibility and privilege.
“ I learned early in life that very little of what I’ ve achieved was accomplished on my own,” says Michaels.“ The support, guidance and encouragement of others played a critical role
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in helping me reach my goals, and that perspective shaped my commitment to helping others do the same.”
Michaels also supports her community through philanthropic efforts. After her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Michaels became deeply involved in Breakthrough T1D. She also serves on the St. Michaels Parish of Wheeling’ s finance committee and as treasurer of the Wheeling YWCA. Michaels financially contributes to Breakthrough T1D; West Liberty University and Ohio County Schools through scholarships established in her parents’ names, respectively; WVU John Chambers College of Business & Economics; Oglebay Foundation; and Women’ s Giving Circle.
Looking back, Michaels sees her zig-zagging career path as coming full circle.
“ Many of my career choices have been guided by the belief that people can be empowered to become the best version of themselves,” says Michaels.“ I’ ve intentionally sought roles that allow me to help others look beyond their past circumstances, think differently about their possibilities and build a more intentional and wellconsidered future.”
As for future career plans, Michaels wants to write a book.
“ While everyone’ s life is unique, there are so many shared experiences and challenges,” says Michaels.“ Often, we feel isolated in life’ s turbulent journey, but sharing our stories can offer perspective, encouragement and guidance to others navigating similar paths.” •
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