MICHELLE MCGUINNESS shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
MICHELLE, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m reading, whether it’s getting lost in the world of a novel or diving deep into a thought-provoking nonfiction book. Novels transport me into different worlds, often bringing back wonderful memories of my childhood spent at the library. Nonfictions feeds my curiosity and helps me grow. It broadens my understanding of people and cultures, and even without experiencing something firsthand, I can still connect, feel, and empathize. Reading has been such a meaningful part of my life that I’m thrilled to see my daughter falling in love with books too, it’s one of the most important gifts we can pass on.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle, a speech-language pathologist and founder of WellChild, a family-focused directory and platform that helps parents connect with trusted providers and resources for their children’s developmental needs. Families can use WellChild to find specialists in autism and ADHD evaluations, speech therapy, and a range of supportive services, all in one place.
My career began working in communities with limited access to developmental care. I saw how parents struggled to navigate long waitlists, confusing systems, and a lack of local options. That experience inspired me to create a platform that simplifies the process: helping families quickly find the right professionals without barriers of geography or language.
Before starting WellChild, I worked at a mission-driven startup dedicated to reducing wait times and supporting neurodiverse children. While that chapter ended, the lessons stayed with me: the need for innovation, compassion, and equity in children’s healthcare.
What makes WellChild unique is our focus on the whole journey from their diagnostic evaluation to ongoing support. Our platform includes multilingual providers, making it easier for families from diverse backgrounds to access the care their children deserve.
Our vision is simple: to be the place parents turn to when they need answers, guidance, and trusted connections to help their child thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The moment I held my daughter for the first time, I felt a strength I didn’t know existed. Motherhood, from my IVF journey to the everyday challenges, has been the hardest yet most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose and a determination to be the kind of role model who shows her that anything is possible. I want her to see a woman who lives with compassion and integrity, helps others without losing herself, stands her ground, and goes after what truly matters. Life is too short and fragile not to.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could, grit, perseverance, and clarity about what truly matters: family, love, friendships, and meaningful connections. Those experiences shaped not only who I am, but how I lead and serve through WellChild. I know firsthand how important it is to have support when life feels overwhelming, and that understanding guides every decision I make as a founder. Hardship taught me that true happiness comes from appreciating the small, everyday moments and walking alongside others in theirs. It deepened my empathy, sharpened my problem-solving, and gave me the resilience and vision to build something that could truly make a difference.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
One truth I hold close, even if not everyone agrees is that kindness is one of the most powerful forces and strength we have. In a world that often rewards self-preservation and individual achievement, I believe in holding onto softness, empathy, and a deep sense of humanity. We often live like we’re all in this alone, focused on our own paths, our own success. But the real secret is: we’re not meant to do this alone. We’re all part of the same group project, and when we choose collaboration over competition, community over isolation, we can accomplish so much more together. That belief shapes everything I do, in life and in my work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes! Absolutely. I feel that level of excitement every day with WellChild because the work is mission-driven and deeply impactful. We’re not just building a business; we’re building connections, opening doors for families, and reshaping how care is accessed.
For me, entrepreneurship is like an art form blending creativity with strategy. With WellChild, I’m creating a platform that’s designed to last: laying strong foundations, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and building a network where families and providers can find each other more easily.
The last time I felt this alive in my work was at a previous startup I loved, where I saw firsthand how innovation could reduce barriers and bring care to families faster. Those experiences whether it was designing systems, leading outreach, or collaborating with clinicians taught me how to balance vision with execution. Today, I carry that forward at WellChild, not just dreaming big, but ensuring that every idea is sustainable, practical, and impactful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wellchildinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellchild.dev
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellchildcenterfordevelopment
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellchildinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wellchild-dev
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wellchilddev/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellchild.dev
