I help YOu Live Well, Lead Fully, and thrive Together.

Through Coaching, Consulting, and Research-informed work for individuals, organizations, and Systems Navigating Complexity.

Grounded in Clinical care, research, and real-world application.

At the intersection of Health, Leadership, and Systems

Optimizing health for Individuals, leaders, systems, and communities

We live in a world overflowing with information.
But what most people actually need is space to think differently and the encouragement to trust their creativity.
— Michelle Scotton Franklin

Coaching

Customized Support for Individuals and leaders navigating Growth, change, and Complexity

  • Health, Leadership, and Life Integration

  • Creativity and Expression

  • Decision-making and Transitions

Speaking: Keynotes & Workshops

For Conferences, Institutions, and Teams

  • Health, leadership, and systems thinking

  • Disability-informed care and equity

  • Creativity, identity, and Sustainable Impact

talks that challenge how we think about leadership, health, and humanity — Grounded in Evidence and designed to challenge assumptions and catalyze change Lasting Change.

Consulting

Expert guidance for organizations and research teams

  • Health Systems and Strategy

  • Research and policy

  • Program and Intervention Design

Dr. Michelle Scotton Franklin

I’m Michelle—a health scientist, dual-certified nurse practitioner, and systems thinker working at the intersection of health, leadership, and systems design. I’ve spent my career partnering with individuals, families, and leaders to navigate complex challenges and optimize health outcomes.

In my academic role as faculty at Duke University, I conduct research, develop interventions, and provide clinical care focused on improving health outcomes and systems of care, particularly for people with disabilities.

As Founder of Optimizing Health Collaborative, PLLC, I extend this work beyond traditional settings, partnering with individuals and organizations to translate insight into meaningful, sustainable change. I work with individuals and organizations to navigate complexity, strengthen systems, and create environments where people can thrive—not just perform. Together, we step back, see more clearly, and build ways of working that are both effective and sustainable.

My work is shaped by decades of experience in clinical care, research, and policy, and grounded in a simple belief: the most effective systems are those that care for the humans within them.

Because when people are supported well and able to fully realize their creative capacity, they don’t just perform—they live well, lead fully, and thrive together.