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NC3 has some impressive team members in our ranks and this Staff Spotlight series aims to highlight the incredibly talented individuals who work with us. We’ll be featuring a new interview in our monthly newsletters, here on our website, and on our social media pages each month.
Michelle Thorne
Michelle Thorne | App Development with Swift, Senior Program Manager
Before joining NC3, Michelle spent several years coordinating VIP department operations for three of the main outdoor amphitheaters in the Chicagoland area with Live Nation. For the past 14 years, her career has been dedicated to education, serving as a classroom teacher, instructional technology coach, and most recently as a Senior Specialist with Apple’s Professional Learning team.
Did you know that Swift is the programming language used for Apple’s platforms?
At NC3, we have supported 153 certifications through our Train-the-Trainer events for App Development with Swift. These instructors represent 78 different schools and organizations across 24 states and countries worldwide!
Check out our Q&A session below to learn more about Michelle!
What drew you to NC3 originally?
Integrating Apple technology innovatively into the curriculum has been part of my identity as an educator. My role now at NC3 allows me to continue that passion, gain new skills, and support others in their enthusiasm for Swift as part of a nonprofit organization.
What do you like most about your job?
What I appreciate most about the NC3 organization is its sense of being an extended family. Regardless of their role, everyone is always willing to share advice, offer feedback, and make sure you feel supported.
How would you describe the NC3 team?
The NC3 team is incredibly supportive, making it one of the most welcoming organizations that I have worked with. Everyone is friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand. Our Master Instructors are rockstars, and I particularly enjoy learning from their unique teaching styles. The diverse skill sets of our NC3 & Master Instructor team inspire me to grow as a program manager.
What is on your wish list for the next 5 years with NC3?
Over the next 5 years, my goals include launching new Train-the-Trainer courses and enhancing our NC3 Swift community. I would love to continue growing our Slack channel for Swift Instructors to include celebrations, innovative thoughts, and a space for shared resources.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Something most people wouldn’t know is that I’m in a dance group with my daughter. Three years ago, my daughter wanted to join a non-competitive dance group for fun. A friend, and former colleague, introduced us to her clogging group, which coincidentally had a beginner adult class at the same time as my daughter’s. I could either watch or join in, so I decided to keep my legs moving. Recently, we had the opportunity to perform at a NASCAR event in Chicago. Clogging is a fantastic stress reliever and a special activity we enjoy together.
What was the best vacation you’ve ever had?
It’s always a tough choice to pick our “best vacation”, but I will say my favorite vacation destination is London. My husband is from there, and his family still lives there. In 2012, when my oldest daughter was 1, we had the incredible opportunity to visit and attend the Olympic Games. We recently visited again in 2024 when my daughter was 12 and my son was 7, marking their first memorable vacation experience as we got to celebrate the King’s birthday with the parade down The Mall and a flyover above Buckingham Palace.
What do you like to do on your days off?
On my days off, you’ll find me making memories with my family, traveling, starting a new DIY project around the house, or out running. Currently, I serve as a pace leader for our local running group, where I am also training for my 5th marathon. Every year, I say I’m done with marathons, yet I always find myself right back on the trail.
To learn more about Swift Program and to connect with Michelle, email her at michelle.thorne@nc3.net
