Michelle Filling-Brown, PhD, is in her 10th year of teaching at Cabrini. She teaches more than 25 different courses in English, Writing, Theater, Gender and Body Studies, and Engagements with the Common Good. These subjects range from Feminist Theory to Scriptwriting to Toni Morrison. Filling-Brown will be 
serving as the Founding Editor of the Body Studies Journal, set to launch in 2018, and in February, she will be presenting a featured session on Learning Communities at the National First Year Experience Conference along with Richie Gebauer.
Do you have a favorite subject matter—or lesson—that you teach?
One of my favorite classes is a theater class that I co-teach with Seth Frechie, PhD, which includes a study abroad to London. I also love teaching about beauty culture in the 1960s and 1970s.
What is your go-to advice for Cabrini students?
Get involved!
What is your favorite item in your office and why?
Besides the photo of my husband on my desk (obviously), I love the photo of students from the Purple Feet Foundation. The Department of English has a partnership with this nonprofit organization that serves at-risk middle school youth. I teach several courses that allow Cabrini students to engage with this very special group.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt. I’ve had that quotation framed on my desk since I started college. I’ve looked at it every day throughout 10 years of higher education and now as a professor. “Dream” has been a mantra of mine and has inspired me to dream big and set deadlines for my goals.
Do you have any hidden talents or interests? If so, what are they?
I’m not sure that it’s so hidden, but I love to dance. For the past decade I have served as the choreographer for Cabrini’s theater. A “hidden” talent is that I can build a house. Last summer I volunteered with Casas por Cristo and worked with a team of high school students to build a home in the Domican Republic. My husband, son, and I plan on building another home with Casas in Guatemala in 2018.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
I love the Chesapeake Bay and being on the water.
What are two things still left on your bucket list?
I’d love to be a contestant on a game show and I’d like to travel to Hawaii.