Michelle Begley was a talented writer and insightful critique partner who dreamed of getting one of her many picture book, middle grade, or young adult manuscripts published. A longtime volunteer for the Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC), Michelle launched the chapter’s Mentor Program in 2010.
Armed with a warm smile and a wickedly funny sense of humor, Michelle was always quick to encourage and support her writer friends. So it was no surprise that after learning about a successful mentor program in the Nevada chapter, Michelle endeavored to start a similar program in Colorado. When Michelle pitched the idea to the RMC Regional Advisors at the time, she received an enthusiastic YES . . .as long as she was willing to take the helm. As a result, Michelle got to work learning all she could about how to run a mentor program and in the winter of 2010, the first set of RMC mentors and mentees began their six-month partnership.
Michelle continued to serve as the program coordinator for the next four and a half years until her tragic passing in January 2015. In her memory, Regional Advisors Todd Tuell and Lindsay Eland agreed to rename the program The Michelle Begley Mentor Program to ensure Michelle’s legacy of encouragement and support would live on.