Born in Baltimore, Maryland in December, Michelle has resided in Maryland for more than 45 years. Michelle was known throughout Maryland for telling stories and promoting the love of reading. She began her career as a storyteller in 1988, while serving as a librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library. Michelle believed storytelling is what God called her to do. She was unaware that God was only preparing her for a higher calling.

When storytelling did not seem to be all God wanted, Michelle became active in her church. Before responding to her call to preach, Michelle held a variety of roles in City Temple that demonstrated her love of teaching and her thirst for religious knowledge; from Co-chair of the Christian Education Ministry, New Members instructor to coordinator for Vacation Bible school.

Michelle currently enjoys and has the honor of serving with her son, Minister Carl Hamiel as one of the youth ministers at City Temple.

Michelle’s spiritual journey began when she gave her life to Christ at a young age at Grace Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. She firmly believes in her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3: 5-6. Trusting in the Lord, Michelle answered her call to preach in May 2008 while under the tutelage of her spiritual father, the Reverend Dr. Grady A. Yeargin, Jr., of the City Temple of Baltimore (Baptist). Presently, Michelle serves as a member of the ministerial staff of City Temple.

Michelle is the daughter of Leon and Peggy Hargrove, the wife of Gary Hamiel and the mother of Carl Anthony Hamiel and Briana Lynn Hamiel.