Michelle Jokinen is our Operations Manager here at New Approaches. She is the one you schedule appointments with, communicates with case managers, and is your powerful liaison to the insurance companies. And of course, she is the overarching customer care specialist. She has been with New Approaches for over nine years, and she describes it as “the best job ever!” She is a true native to Traverse City. She was born at the Munson Medical Center, was raised here, and raised her kids in Traverse City. She is a proud mom to her daughters Jessica and Erica. Michelle is also the loving grandmother to five grandchildren (one lives in heaven). She thrives in the small town feel that Traverse City offers. Many of her own family generations have lived in Traverse City throughout the years, so one can certainly understand the amount of love she has for the city and the history that bestows upon itself. Traverse City is not the only place she has lived. She lived in Scotland for about a year and cherished every minute of it. When she is not at work, she enjoys hiking, riding in her side by side, and visiting the Upper Peninsula as much as possible. She has visited Disney(world/land) a few times and looks forward to going back. When she lived in Scotland, she traveled to the magical Grand Canary Islands. She has a few places on her bucket list to travel to, but Alaska is the front runner. Some of her most favorite foods include everything her husband made when he was alive which included his chicken broccoli cheddar soup and his apple crisp (stomachs are growling I am sure as you read this). When she wants to visit a local food establishment, Sleder’s is her top go to. Next time you are in, maybe you can ask her for a recommendation at Sleder’s. Finally, she is the proud dog mom to Hawkeye. Hawkeye is a very friendly German Shepherd that comes to work with her occasionally. She take him on hikes, and he rides along with her when drives her side by side (of course wearing goggles for safety). He is the top ‘dawg’ at New Approaches.