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Michelle O’Dell is entering her fifth year leading the Thurston Mason Developmental Disabilities Coalition, where she brings together parents, caregivers, self-advocates, and community members to champion inclusion, education, civil rights, housing, and meaningful day opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Thurston Mason DD Coalition has partnered with Thurston County Public Health and Social Services on Project Safer—training law enforcement about IDD awareness—and regularly participates in resource fairs across Thurston and Mason counties to share information on advocacy, legislative updates, and local supports. The Coalition also helps self-advocates and their families connect with resources to begin their journey toward independence and inclusion.

Before moving to Thurston County in 2016, Michelle co-founded the Highline Special Needs PTA and later completed Everett Community College’s Parent Leadership Training Institute, developing the foundation for what is now the Thurston Mason DD Coalition. She also served five years as a Coordinator with Informing Families, supporting communities across both counties.

A proud mother of a young adult with a disability, Michelle believes the collective voice of a community is its greatest strength and continues to empower others to use theirs to create lasting, positive change. The Coalition will host its 4th Annual South Sound DD Legislative Session on October 20, 2026, inviting all to join in moving the needle forward for inclusion and access.