Michelle Leonard is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research focused on couples, relationships, and health.

Dr. Leonard earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University before completing both her master’s degree and PhD at Wayne State University. She completed her clinical internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Since joining the faculty at University of Michigan–Dearborn in 2008, Dr. Leonard has served as both an educator and mentor, teaching undergraduate and graduate students and currently holding the rank of full professor.

Throughout her career, Dr. Leonard’s research has focused on the connection between relationship dynamics and overall health and well-being. She is the director of the Interpersonal Connections and Health Lab, where she leads a team of students and researchers studying how couples’ interactions influence emotional and physical health.

Her work as both a professor and practicing clinical psychologist allows her research, teaching, and clinical care to continually inform one another. Her clinical experience brings depth and practicality to her academic work, while her scholarship ensures that her approach remains grounded in evidence-based psychological practice. She is also certified in the ARAMMU Relationship Checkup, an evidence-based tool designed to help couples identify strengths, address challenges, and enhance relationship satisfaction.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Leonard has been dedicated to helping individuals and couples build stronger relationships, experience greater fulfillment, and improve emotional well-being. After many years working within hospital settings, she is thrilled to continue her work with couples to foster healthier communication, deeper connection, and lasting relationship strength.