Her work has included food pantries, shelters, crisis programs, schools, churches, advocacy organizations, international service, and community initiatives. Across these spaces, Michala has supported volunteer coordination, resource management, fundraising, donor and sponsor outreach, events, marketing, communications, advocacy, and community engagement.

These experiences showed her a pattern: the people closest to the mission are often carrying the greatest responsibility with the fewest resources. Passion matters, but organizations also need clear systems, sustainable funding strategies, strong communication, and the capacity to keep moving forward.

Michala brings a practical, relationship-centered approach to that work. She listens first, understands what is already in place, and helps organizations strengthen what they have while building what they need next.

Her work is grounded in the belief that storytelling is not an afterthought. It is how organizations help people understand the value of their work, connect with their communities, and invite others to invest in the mission.

Clients do not need someone who arrives with a one-size-fits-all answer. They need someone who can step into complexity, identify what matters, and find a way forward.

That is the work Michala founded Shanks Development Group to do.

You change lives. We help more people see why.