I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Michele Wellington, whom I had the privilege of working with for nearly a year (August 2023 - June 2024). I run an online education company that has grossed over 10 million dollars in revenue and reaches thousands of students a year. As the Community Manager and Course Moderator for our online education programs, Michele was an invaluable member of our community-building efforts. In her role as Community Manager for our flagship program, HOME, Michele was responsible for maintaining a positive, safe, and respectful environment within a large, diverse group of more than 2,000 members. This was no small task, as it required daily attention to detail, sensitivity, and the ability to foster a welcoming atmosphere for all — even when, occasionally, controversial topics were being discussed, or big transitions were taking place. Michele ensured that community guidelines were upheld, that conflicts were managed with care, and that members felt both heard and supported. She demonstrated excellent communication skills by addressing issues promptly, providing clear explanations for moderation decisions, and working to resolve any concerns with diplomacy and respect. In addition to her role as a Community Manager, she also served as the Course Moderator for several of our one-time programs, including Slumber Party, The Way of the Dragon, and Writing with the Sword — all courses with thousands of extremely active participants. In this capacity, she monitored posts and interactions, ensuring that all participants adhered to the established guidelines. She was proactive in reminding members of the community standards, removing any content that did not meet those standards, communicating with the program admin team, and addressing any issues with professionalism and empathy. Her ability to maintain a productive and inclusive learning environment, even when dozens and dozens of new posts and comments were pouring in by the hour, was essential in creating a space where all participants felt supported and valued. What stands out most to me about Michele is her maturity, groundedness and calm demeanor, characteristics I valued extremely highly in managing online communities with so many people, which has the potential to easily turn chaotic. She consistently exhibited excellent judgment, a strong work ethic, and an empathetic approach to managing group dynamics. Whether dealing with routine questions or more sensitive issues, Michele handled each situation with the utmost professionalism and care. As the CEO of my company and lead teacher of our courses, I especially appreciated how conscientious and responsive Michele was in communicating with me and the rest of the executive team. She allowed me to do my best work by making me feel understood and supported in my intentions every step of the way. She was deeply appreciated and liked by the rest of the executive team as well. I have zero hesitation in recommending Michele for any role that requires strong leadership, communication, and community management skills. She proved herself to be a tremendous asset to our organization, and I am confident she will bring the same level of dedication and professionalism to any other team that is lucky to have her.