Michelle Pond was educated locally at Northgate Grammar School and then Suffolk College. She embarked on a career working with people with mental health problems, including substance abuse, homelessness and older peoples care needs. Michelle takes the lead on training for equality and diversity within Smith & Co, with a special interest in raising awareness of dementia.

In her own time, Michelle enjoys long dog walks , taking advantage of the Suffolk countryside. She supports her elderly father with dementia and is a proud grandmother of two busy grandsons.