Michelle Moriarty brings a wealth of experience in public service, law enforcement, and community engagement to her role as Chief Operations Officer for Tactical Self Rescue. A graduate of Holyoke High School (Class of 1987), she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College in 1991.
Michelle's career began in social services, where she worked as an advocate for individuals with disabilities, helping them secure gainful and fulfilling employment. She then transitioned into corrections, serving as a Correctional Officer for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department at the former York Street Prison and the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center in Springfield, MA.
In 1994, Michelle became a Police Officer for the Northampton Police Department, where she served in multiple divisions, including:
- Patrol
- Bike Patrol
- Community Policing
- Crime Prevention
- R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Instructor
- Public Housing Liaison
After eight years in law enforcement, Michelle moved into the field of housing enforcement, joining the Northampton Housing Authority as a Lease Enforcement Officer. In this role, she became well-versed in Massachusetts housing laws, environmental concerns, and tenant rights, working closely with various city and state agencies, including the Northampton Police and Fire Departments, Department of Public Works, Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department, Board of Health, and Veterans Affairs. She oversaw:
- Evictions & Policy Violations
- Tenant Counseling & Mediations
- Court Proceedings
In 2017, Michelle took on a new challenge, entering the political realm as a Constituent Services Aide for Senator Don Humason, where she coordinated event briefings, worked with constituents, and liaised with state agencies to resolve issues. When Senator Humason became the Mayor of Westfield, Michelle transitioned into the Mayor’s Office, where she managed constituent services and worked closely with department heads across the city.
Currently, Michelle has embarked on her “pre-retirement” career as a school secretary, where she has earned the affectionate title of “The Knot Master” for her uncanny ability to untie even the most stubborn knots for students.
In addition to her administrative leadership at Tactical Self Rescue, Michelle plays a key role in instruction, specializing in:
- Operations: Valkyrie-Women’s Self-Defense Training
- Crime Prevention & Community Awareness
With decades of experience spanning law enforcement, housing enforcement, government, and community service, Michelle Moriarty is an invaluable asset to Tactical Self Rescue. Her commitment to public safety, empowerment, and education ensures that individuals are prepared, informed, and ready to protect themselves in an ever-changing world.
