Michelle Norman, Navy Spouse

Michelle Norman is the Executive Director and Founder of Partners in PROMISE, a non-profit organization focused on educating, advising and advocating for exceptional military families and their education.  She is a Navy spouse of over 28 years and mother of a 20 year old daughter with cerebral palsy and many other medical diagnoses.  After years of successfully advocating and winning multiple legal cases to ensure her daughter received the minimum education required by law, Michelle realized that she was not alone. After seeing a gap in support, the Virginia Beach resident has become a passionate advocate for all military children with special needs and their families.  

Michelle graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and worked as an Environmental Engineer civilian with the US Navy until her daughter was born prematurely. Her problem-solving background as well as her desire to do the right thing has resulted in top-level changes over the last few years within the Department of Defense Exceptional Family Member Program and State Disability communities.

Michelle has been recognized for her military family advocacy efforts with the 2022 Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)  Changemaker Award, William and Mary PELE Law Clinic Kayla Bower Advocacy Award,  2020 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year Award for Hampton Roads and 2019 AFI Navy Military Spouse of the Year Award.