Biography

Dr. Michele Terese Trujillo has worked as a professional educator for 24 years and is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Department in the School of Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is a co-founder and volunteer co-director of The Justice & Heritage Academy under the non profit organization Conejos Clean Water, which she also co- founded and was a former Chairperson. Michele is concerned with educational, social, environmental and food justice issues of the rural and urban communities in Colorado and how these inequities impact the education of students; this is her primary research focus. Michele presents nationally and internationally on educational topics. Her research focuses on the educational implications for culturally and linguistically diverse students with exceptionalities. Michele earned a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction (emphasis in multicultural and bilingual special education) in 2011 from Northern Arizona University, a school principal license in 2017 from the Principal Institute, an MA degree in special education in 1999 from the University of Northern Colorado and a BA in music, with an emphasis in music therapy, in 1994 from Colorado State University. Michele is actively involved in her LatinX community by serving on various committees; Michele is a recent recipient of the Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award by the Denver Public Library which recognizes her contributions and dedication to the Latino community within Colorado.