Meet Michele Williers of Colorado Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Williers

Hi Michele, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely. My journey really began in 2003 when my husband and I were expecting identical twin boys. They arrived incredibly early—at just 23 weeks’ gestation. One of our sons, Bryan Alexander, tragically did not survive. Our surviving son, Beck, spent months in the NICU and was later diagnosed as deafblind with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That experience changed everything for me. It was filled with love, grief, fear, and hope—all at once. And it planted a seed that would guide the rest of my life.

Professionally, I had built a 30-year career in nonprofit leadership, primarily in youth-serving organizations in New Jersey. But when COVID hit, it was a moment of deep reflection for me. Something was missing. I realized I needed to align my life’s work with my life’s journey. That’s when I found PEAK Parent Center in Colorado—a place where I could merge my personal story with my professional purpose. I left behind my old career, moved across the country, and never looked back.

Today, I serve as the Executive Director of PEAK, where I have the privilege of working alongside incredible families, youth, educators, and professionals to build inclusive communities and systems of support. It’s more than a job—it’s my mission. I’ve learned that persistent hope, authenticity, and meaningful connection are what create real impact.

Now at 22, Beck is thriving and truly living his best life—whether it’s landing his dream job at a gaming lounge, guest lecturing to future special educators, or simply enjoying meaningful connection with his community. He continues to inspire me every day and reminds me why this work matters so much.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. My journey has been shaped by deep personal loss, transformational moments, and an unshakable drive to find purpose through it all. In 2003, I gave birth to identical twin boys at just 23 weeks. One of our sons, Bryan Alexander, passed away shortly after birth. Our surviving son, Beck, spent months in the NICU and was later diagnosed as deafblind with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Those early days were filled with unimaginable fear and grief. I remember feeling utterly helpless, yet even in the darkest moments, I never gave up. Two of my top Gallup Strengths are Positivity and Belief—and they’ve carried me through every challenge. I held tightly to hope, even when the odds felt overwhelming. I believed that Beck’s life had meaning, that his journey would matter, and that our story could one day help others find their way forward too.

Professionally, I had built a strong 30-year career in nonprofit leadership, primarily in New Jersey. But like many, COVID prompted a deep personal reflection. I realized I needed to align my work with my why. With the support of my family, I made the leap—leaving behind a familiar career and state to lead PEAK Parent Center in Colorado, where my personal and professional lives finally merged. It was a risk, but one rooted in purpose.

And while none of this has been easy—navigating systems that often underestimate our children, pushing for inclusion, challenging outdated mindsets—I’ve never stopped believing in what’s possible. Beck—now 22—is thriving, living his best life, and recently inspired to pursue Inclusive Higher Education at UCCS, where he’s charting a new path not only for himself but for others like him.

Through all the struggle, I’ve carried hope in my heart. I believe in people. I believe in change. And I believe that when we lead with connection, courage, and community—we can build a world where every child, every family, and every voice belongs.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At PEAK Parent Center, I lead with heart, lived experience, and a deep commitment to systems change. As Executive Director, my work focuses on strengthening family engagement, advancing inclusive education, and empowering youth with disabilities to envision bold futures. I work alongside an incredible team to equip families, self-advocates, educators, and professionals with tools, training, and support to build inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

I specialize in relationship-building and elevating family and youth voice in decision-making spaces—especially where it’s historically been left out. I’m known for bringing energy, authenticity, and boldness to this work, always centering connection over compliance. I don’t just talk about inclusion—I live it, lead with it, and fight for it every single day.

What I’m most proud of is helping other families find hope and strength in their own stories. Whether it’s mentoring emerging family leaders or building bridges between parents and professionals, I love helping others see what’s possible when we work together. I also take great pride in the partnerships PEAK has built statewide and nationally to influence policy, elevate access, and reimagine what support truly looks like.

One of my top Gallup Strengths is Includer, and that guides everything I do. I naturally notice who’s not at the table—and I work to make space, not just for their presence, but for their voice to truly be heard and valued. That strength, combined with Positivity and Belief, fuels my work in creating environments where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to lead.

What sets me apart is that I don’t separate my personal journey from my professional work—they are deeply intertwined. I understand the urgency families feel because I’ve lived it. I know how to navigate complex challenges, but I also know how to spark meaningful collaboration and move people toward a shared vision.

At the end of the day, I believe this work is about people—not programs. And when we center people—especially those who have been historically marginalized—we start to build something that lasts. That’s the legacy I hope to leave.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes—trust your story. Whether you’re a parent navigating new diagnoses, a young professional stepping into the nonprofit world, or someone stepping into advocacy for the first time—your lived experience matters. It is enough. I wish someone had told me early on that I didn’t need to have everything perfectly lined up to make an impact. I just needed to show up, be real, and lead with heart.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. You can lead with love. You can lead with kindness. You can carry hope in your heart and still show up with solid, unwavering leadership. Those are not opposing forces—they’re what make leadership transformational. Strength doesn’t always shout; sometimes, it’s the quiet persistence to keep going when it would be easier to give up.

I also believe deeply in the power of relationships. Find your people. Build your network of support. Some of the most important moments in my journey happened in the in-between spaces—with those who saw me, heard me, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. You don’t have to do this work by yourself—and you shouldn’t.

And when it comes to change-making—don’t wait to be invited. Pull up your chair and claim a meaningful seat at the table. Then, once you’re there, look around and ask: Who else needs to be here? Because real impact comes not just from having a voice—but from making space for others to rise with you.

Most of all, remember: the path may not look like what you imagined—but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one. Every detour, every challenge, every heartbreak can shape you into the kind of leader who leads not from a title, but from truth. Stay grounded. Stay hopeful. And never stop believing in what’s possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peakparent.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakparentcenter/?igsh=MWd5OTVza25qanJlaw%3D%3D#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1R5wLysjAq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-parent-center/posts/?feedView=all
• Twitter: https://x.com/PEAKParent/status/1731754610035941768
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/peakparentcenter
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/peak-parent-center-colorado-springs-3