Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I graduated from high school in 1986 and joined the U.S. Army in 1987. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I wouldn’t trade the experience. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and leadership. My Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 71L, Administrative Specialist. I always worked at Base Headquarters, so I became very proficient in various office skills and office management, including using a WANG computer. I proudly served my country at Ft. Jackson, SC (Basic Training/AIT), Camp Red Cloud, Korea, Ft. McPherson, GA and Ft. Riley, KS.
After my military career I worked at various agencies as an Administrative Specialist, but I was always drawn to the Criminal Justice field. In 1996 I graduated from Orlando College (Summa Cum Laude) with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. I eventually went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration from Liberty University. I also graduated from Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College) as an Auxiliary Police Officer and I am a licensed Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Instructor.
In 1999 I began my career as a Victim Advocate at the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit. I worked in the Early Crisis Intervention Unit for one year and advanced to the position of Lead Domestic Violence Victim Advocate where I remained for three years. In addition to assisting domestic violence victims, I was responsible for coordinating and teaching a domestic violence seminar. It was in this position that I discovered my passion for assisting abused women. After leaving the Office of the State Attorney I worked as a substitute teacher and FDLE Instructor. In 2005, I became a Victim Advocate for the Titusville Police Department where I have been assisting victims of all types of crimes for the past 18 years.
Throughout my career as a Victim Advocate, I have witnessed the harrowing experiences of abused women. As I taught seminars and spoke at various events, I saw the impact of education and awareness on individuals. I realized how important it is to reach those who may never attend a class or event and those who suffer in silence. Drawing from my own personal and professional experience, I founded Perfect Love, Inc to extend domestic violence awareness and support to a wider community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
By no stretch of the imagination has it been a smooth road, but I see struggles as challenges for growth. Balancing family, ministry and school while working a full-time job was challenging. Finding a new normal after being married for 25 years and then divorced was one of the most difficult things I have ever experienced, but I found myself in the process. The loss of my brother still doesn’t seem real, but his legacy gives me strength. Caring for a parent with dementia is both life changing and heartbreaking but God is so faithful, and His grace is sufficient. Although these struggles have been extremely challenging, they have caused me to grow in ways I never thought possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Victim Advocate for the Titusville Police Department, I assist victims of all types of crimes, but the majority are victims of domestic violence. I provide immediate crisis intervention, short-term counseling, safety planning, court advocacy and assistance filing Victim Compensation claims. My non-profit business, Perfect Love, Inc. is a faith-based organization whose mission is to empower women and men to leave abusive relationships, prevent destructive behaviors amongst our youth, and to strengthen and preserve lives, families, and communities nationwide through education, training, advocacy and the Word of God. I am the founder, writer and former host of the radio talk show, Michelle’s HAVEN, discussing topics that empower women and men to leave abusive relationships. I also enjoy encouraging and empowering women to arise and be all that God created them to be through my YouTube channel, Modern-Day Deborah: Voice for the Voiceless and through coaching. I am certified as a Christian Life Coach and Relationship Coach.
I am the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award, Victim Advocate of the Year Award (2002 and 2012), Certificate of Honor for assisting victims of the Pulse Shootings in Orlando, FL and was nominated for the Office of the Attorney General’s Outstanding Victim Advocate Award (2012). I am currently a member of the Brevard County Domestic Violence Task Force where I served as the Chairperson for 3 years and the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. I also served as a member of the Sexual Assault Victim Services Board, Frances Walker Halfway House for Girls Advisory Board and the Florida Crisis Response Team.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was in the fourth grade, I had the lead role in the school play/musical. I sang a song called “I Can Get Along Without Music.” My music teacher at the time, Ms. Calvetto, saw something in me that I did not see in myself. She encouraged me to do what I could never even imagine myself doing. At a time in my life when I was being bullied and struggling with my self-esteem, Ms. Calvetto’s faith in me made me feel like I was ten feet tall – like I could do anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perfectloveinc.com
- Instagram: _coachmechelle
- Facebook: Perfect Love, Inc. www.facebook.com/perfectloveinc
- Twitter: Perfect Love, Inc. @perfectloveinc5
- Youtube: Modern-Day Deborah: Voice For The Voiceless. @modern-daydeborahvoicefort6840
- TikTok: @michelleflowers55
