Dr. Michelle was born and raised in Omaha, graduating from Millard West High School in 1999. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University in 2007. Dr. Michelle, with the unwavering support of her father, Dr. Nels, opened Canine Rehabilitation and Wellness as a service of Backlund Animal Clinic in 2009.

Dr. Michelle became certified in canine rehabilitation (physical therapy) in 2008 through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and in medical acupuncture in 2011 through One Health Scientific Integrative Medicine. Dr. Michelle and her husband, Shaun, have three rambunctious boys ranging from 2 to 6 years. Shaun grew up in Omaha as well, graduating from Omaha Northwest High School and University of Nebraska- Omaha. He interned at Union Pacific in college which led to his full-time career.