Michele Kaplan received a B.A. in Elementary Education, with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), from Florida International University. She spent six years teaching in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. In 2007, her son Matthew was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome and autism, which set her family on a new path and inspired her life-long advocacy work. In 2008, she co-founded Families for Fragile X, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support, where she served as President.

Michele currently serves as Past Board Chair of Friendship Circle Miami, an organization that builds meaningful friendships for individuals with special needs. She is also a co-owner of Steps for Success, an innovative intensive therapy program in Southwest Miami-Dade that teaches functional academics and life skills to adolescents with developmental disabilities. In addition, Michele serves on the Board of Directors for the National Fragile X Foundation, supporting individuals and families through advocacy, education, research, and treatment.

Most importantly, Michele is a mother to Rachel, Matthew, and Alyson, and wife to her husband, Paul.

Michele proudly supports Casa Familia and its mission to open doors to independent, meaningful living for adults with developmental disabilities.