Michelle is the fourth of six children from a Chilean-Canadian family. She was born in Calgary and grew up moving between Vancouver and Toronto. She developed her love of acting while goofing off with her high school improvisation team, and went on to study drama at the University of Toronto. Michelle began her acting career on the stage, performing in everything from Shakespeare, to a British farce, to new plays developed with her peers. She never stopped goofing off, and loves to take part in live sketch comedy, notably performing at Laugh Sabbath nights in Toronto.

Michelle's first appearance on the big screen was the lead role in George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead. Other notable appearances include Stargate Atlantis, The L Word, Bunnyhug and The Smart Women's Survival Guide.

Free time Michelle has is spent hanging out with her family, snowboarding, surfing, cooking, writing, and growing plants. For many years she has volunteered with Women's Shelters across Canada, developing drama workshops for children and public speaking workshops for mothers. Michelle believes that everyone has a right to a safe and loving home.