Michelle Rose Gilman, President and Founder, started Fusion in 1989 with six students who were transitioning out of psychiatric hospitals. She holds a BS in Special Education from the University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida), as well as a certification in Special Education (Emotional Handicaps K-12 concentration). Prior to launching Fusion Academy, she spent 17 years teaching emotionally disturbed and learning-disabled students, coordinating a special-education treatment center, and creating social-skills and self-esteem workshops for children of all ages. Michelle is the author of ten books geared toward students and their parents. In her non-existent free time, she reads, creates mosaics, and spends time with her family.