Her Story
About Ellen (Michelle)
Ellen (Michelle) Flores is an accomplished educational leader, school designer, and instructional coach with more than 20 years of experience helping schools transform teaching, learning, and leadership. As a School Designer and Coach with EL Education, she partners with districts across Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, New York, building the capacity of educators and school leaders through strategic planning, instructional coaching, and collaborative school improvement. Ellen began her career as a founding faculty member of the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in New York City, where she served as a mathematics teacher, instructional leader, and coach. Throughout her career, she has guided schools through EL Education's nationally recognized credentialing process, helping them create sustainable systems that foster academic excellence, character development, and meaningful, high-quality student work.
Ellen's leadership philosophy is rooted not only in professional expertise but also in her personal journey. As a single mother raising three children, including a son with autism, she has developed a deep sense of resilience, empathy, and authenticity that informs every aspect of her work. She believes that meaningful leadership begins with self-awareness, trust, and human connection, empowering educators and leaders to create cultures where both adults and students can thrive. Her experiences have reinforced her belief that every person's lived experiences are their greatest leadership asset, shaping the way they inspire and support others.
Looking ahead, Ellen is expanding her impact beyond education through her women's coaching business, Om Sweet Om, where she helps women reconnect with their inner strength, purpose, and authentic leadership. She is also writing her upcoming book, The Chosen Woman, which explores resilience, healing, and the transformative power of embracing one's unique journey. Whether coaching school leaders, mentoring educators, or empowering women, Ellen remains committed to helping others lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose while creating lasting change in their communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ellen (Michelle)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my unwavering faith in God, my belief in the interconnectedness of the universe, and the understanding that every person carries unique gifts and untapped potential. I view obstacles and adversity as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, choosing to focus on the lessons they offer instead of the challenges themselves. I believe life is our greatest classroom, and every experience—both joyful and difficult—helps us grow into stronger, wiser, and more compassionate leaders.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is not to wait until I feel completely ready. Growth doesn't happen after we become confident—it happens because we're willing to take the first step before everything feels perfect. Our experiences, perspective, and voice already have value, and the courage to show up often creates the opportunities we were waiting for.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until you feel completely ready. Your lived experiences—both the joyful moments and the difficult ones—are what make your perspective unique and valuable. Trust your voice, embrace your journey, and recognize that your authenticity is your greatest strength. Show up with courage, continue learning, and know that your willingness to lead can inspire and empower others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Education continues to face significant challenges in developing teacher capacity, strengthening instructional leadership, and creating sustainable systems that lead to lasting improvements in student outcomes. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity to build collaborative school cultures where educators feel supported and empowered to grow. When schools invest in strong leadership, meaningful professional learning, and authentic relationships, they create environments where students develop not only academic excellence but also character, purpose, and the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my personal life and professional work are trust, authenticity, compassion, courage, purpose, and a commitment to continuous growth. I believe effective leadership begins with leading yourself first. When I regulate my own mindset and emotions, I can create a calm, supportive environment where others feel safe to learn, grow, and lead. My goal is always to build relationships rooted in trust, empower others to recognize their strengths, and help create spaces where people can thrive with confidence and purpose.
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