A native of Eagle River, Alaska, Michaela is an avid photographer and graphic designer. She is a mother of two, residing on campus with her children Pierce and Easton, husband Marek, and bulldog Winston. Michaela received her degree in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where she played for the womens ice hockey team. She acquired 2 NCAA records during her collegiate ice hockey career and, in 2012, was inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Superior's Athletics Hall of Fame.