Michele Milan, B.S. Psychology, M.Ed. Education

Hi, I’m Michele Milan—the proud owner of MoxieChicken2, a creative educator, the facilitator of Paint From Your Soul™ and high school counselor.

MoxieChicken2

From 2020 to 2023, I took a leap of faith and was a teacher and counselor at an American School in Dalian, China, after my daughter left for college. Turns out, empty nesting didn’t suit me, so I packed my bags and ventured to another country. It was both thrilling and terrifying, a perfect recipe for growth! That’s when MoxieChicken2 was born. You see, I often felt like a total chicken, but I had the moxie to face my fears. The name stuck, because let’s be real, who doesn’t have a bit of cowardice and courage in them?

Paint from Your Soul

Fast forward to my latest life adventure: retiring after 24 wonderful years in education. As I searched for meaningful and fulfilling work, I was drawn to soulful, intuitive painting, a practice that beautifully weaves together my background in counseling, education, and a deep love for creative expression.

As a facilitator, I guide others through a reflective painting process that invites self-discovery, not perfection. Together, we explore the powerful energy of feminine archetypes, such as the mother, lover, priestess, and warrioress, using them as mirrors to uncover the wisdom within.

Bridging Hearts and Minds: Counseling with a Buddhist Heart

My path eventually led me to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I have the profound privilege of serving as a high school counselor at a school deeply rooted in Buddhist values, specializing in helping students successfully transition into university and providing social-emotional learning.

Living and working in this beautiful culture allows me to weave my background in psychology and education into a practice centered on mindfulness, deep compassion, and holistic well-being. Guiding high schoolers through the thrilling (and sometimes terrifying!) process of discovering their next steps and getting accepted into university is an incredibly rewarding chapter. It reinforced my belief that true education isn't just about academics, it’s about nurturing the soul, building confidence, and helping young adults lean into their true potential.

This experience beautifully shapes the mindful, intuitive approach I bring to everything I do today, from instructional design to holding space for you at the canvas.

For Fun

When I’m not facilitating transformative art experiences or crafting meaningful learning, you’ll find me traveling, doing yoga, biking, camping, or joyfully immersed in a world of paint. I live in a condo in Chiang Mai, Thailand and enjoy exploring the city and meeting new people. This year, I’m working toward mastering a handstand in the middle of the room and holding it for 30 seconds!

Join me in playing with paint, exploring archetypes, and reflecting on what your art reveals about your true self.