Michelle Smith blends education leadership and aviation training in Sedona

Michelle Smith, founder of Independent Education Group LLC and partner at Untethered Aviation, is using decades of experience in school leadership and flight training to guide students, families, and pilots. Her work spans education consulting, nonprofit leadership, and mountain-flying safety training in Sedona, Arizona.

Why it matters: - Michelle Smith works across two fields where guidance and preparation can shape outcomes: education and aviation. - Her education consulting focuses on families, students, and private school planning nationwide. - Her aviation work centers on flight training that emphasizes safety and confidence in mountain flying.

What happened: - Smith is the founder and chief education strategist of Independent Education Group LLC. - She is also a partner at Untethered Aviation in Sedona, Arizona. - Her consulting services include education consulting, academic advising, parent coaching, and private school guidance. - Her aviation role includes overseeing operations and supporting aspiring pilots.

The details: - Smith began her career as a conservatory-trained musician and professional oboist. - She earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with an emphasis in oboe performance from Ithaca College. - She earned a master’s degree in Oboe Performance and Music Education from the New England Conservatory of Music. - She later completed Educational Leadership and Administration Certification at The Johns Hopkins University. - She also holds a certificate in Financial Management of the Nonprofit Organization from Harvard University. - Smith holds educator licensure and a private pilot certificate. - Her leadership background includes roles as dean of students, principal, executive director, and head of school. - Her career has included strategic planning, curriculum development, and student-centered leadership. - Her nonprofit and civic service includes work as Council Member and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence. - She led Healthcare Without Walls, formerly Women of Means, as executive director, supporting homeless women and children. - She served on the Alumni Council at the New England Conservatory of Music. - She also participated in the Member Coordination Steering Committee, the Annual Fund Committee, and the student mentorship program.

Between the lines: - Smith’s career path shows a deliberate pivot from music to education leadership and then into aviation. - Her mix of school administration, nonprofit work, and pilot training suggests a preference for service roles where trust matters. - She sees opportunity in expanded safety training for mountain terrain and proximity flying, where preventable accidents remain a concern. - She also sees room for more long-term education guidance that combines planning, advising, and workshops. - Her advice to young women entering her fields is to be intentional, invest in relationships, and make people feel heard and valued. - Smith says passion, determination, and openness to change have shaped her professional growth.

What's next: - Smith is focused on broadening specialized aviation safety training for pilots in challenging environments. - She is also working to expand comprehensive education support for students and families. - Her continued profile on Influential Women and work with Untethered Aviation keep her platform visible to both audiences.

The bottom line: - Michelle Smith has built a career around helping people prepare better, lead better, and navigate high-stakes decisions with confidence.