Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is an education consultant, educational leader, and aviation entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience helping individuals and organizations achieve meaningful growth through strategic leadership, personalized guidance, and innovation. As the founder of Independent Education Group, she provides education consulting, academic advising, parent coaching, and private school guidance for families, drawing on an extensive background in school leadership and curriculum development. She is also a partner at Untethered Aviation in Sedona, Arizona, where she oversees operations and helps inspire aspiring pilots through specialized flight training with an emphasis on safety and confidence in mountain flying.

Smith began her career as a conservatory-trained musician and professional oboist before transitioning into education, where she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The Johns Hopkins University. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including dean of students, principal, executive director, and head of school, building a reputation for strategic planning, curriculum development, and student-centered leadership. Her diverse professional background enables her to combine educational expertise with entrepreneurial vision, creating personalized solutions that help students, families, and organizations thrive.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Smith has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service and nonprofit leadership. She has served on the Massachusetts Governor's Council to Address Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence, contributed to the New England Conservatory Alumni Council, and led Healthcare Without Walls (formerly Women of Means) as executive director, supporting women and families in need. Guided by the values of integrity, compassion, generosity, and lifelong learning, Smith remains dedicated to empowering others through education, mentorship, and aviation while helping individuals confidently pursue new opportunities and realize their full potential.