Biography

Dr. Michele Cooley-Strickland (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical psychologist who joined the UCLA faculty in 2009 and the Johns Hopkins University faculty in 1996. She’s now a Project Scientist at UCLA in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, and former podcast co-host. She has appeared as an expert psychologist on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s (OWN) spotlight series, “Speak Sis,” as well as other national programs.

Dr. Michele is a researcher who’s co-authored over 50 journal articles, book chapters, and treatment manuals. She has been the principal investigator of research studies funded by the National Institutes of Health to treat anxiety and prevent trauma. Dr. Michele has a private psychology practice called “Doctor Michele, LLC” — specializing in anxiety disorders and trauma — helping people build life skills that empower them to become their best selves in a way that’s authentic, sustainable, and joyful. She also serves as an expert witness as a psychologist in forensic cases.

A believer in community service, Dr. Michele was a volunteer Sunday School teacher for 7 ½ years. For 9 years, she held a quasi-governmental elected office in the City of Los Angeles as the Vice-President of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa. She’s currently a Chair of the Board of Trustees at Marymount High School in Los Angeles (celebrating their 100th year), and is a member of the Advisory Board of Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills (celebrating their 50th year). Dr. Michele served for 5 years on the UCLA Parents’ Council and is now on the UCLA Parents’ Emeriti Council.

Dr. Michele is a mother of two daughters in college (UCLA — go Bruins! — and LMU), has a 3-year-old goldendoodle, practices kickboxing, yoga and weight lifting, e-bikes with her girlfriends, loves to cook, bake, and — when there’s time — paint.