Mindy Buell

Mindy was born and raised in Ohio. She was drawn to nonprofit work from the beginning of her career with the desire to provide care to those in need. Following graduate school, she was principal of a middle and high school for all at-risk youth in Manistee. After she and her husband moved to Traverse City, she learned about a new organization that was just starting called Michael’s Place that helped grieving children and families. From the moment of her first conversation with the founder, Chris Dennos, she knew Michael’s Place was where she needed to be. She became the founding executive director and has been with the organization for almost 18 years.  

Mindy Buell has provided leadership and program development from the inception of Michael’s Place as a start-up nonprofit in the Traverse City community and surrounding areas.  Since 2001, Buell has been the driving force building widely respected and sought out no cost support services for children and families grieving the loss of a loved one. 

As Executive Director/CEO, Mindy has served in a multitude of capacities for Michael’s Place including development, program and capacity building, volunteer management and coordination, and donor cultivation.  In addition, Mindy served as a group facilitator for more than 10 years giving her a wealth of experience assisting and advocating for grieving families and children. 

Mindy was instrumental in the creation of the first template for school grief crisis planning, intervention, and aftercare in the event of the death of a school community member.  She and her staff have helped numerous schools create their individualized grief crisis plans. Similar services have been created to assist businesses and organizations. 

It is Mindy’s goal to lead Michael’s Place into the future with a sound, sustainable revenue source, a respected and well-trained core of volunteers and professional staff, as she continues to spearhead innovative, transformative applications for both programs and development. 

Mindy is married to Mike and they have three boys, Brady (20), Mac (18), and Gus (10). Her favorite activities are reading and writing along with cheering on her boys.  

Mindy Buell has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Toledo and a Masters of Administration.