About the Collective

Hi, my name is Michelle and I’m the founder of the Tushy Collective. I’m a Pilates and barre instructor, a wellness enthusiast and in early 2026, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Thankfully, after several rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumour and a portion of my colon, I am back in good health.

While I was going through my healing journey, movement was a way for me to come back to myself. As a fitness instructor, I’ve always used movement as a form of therapy. It was a way for me to get out of my head and to connect with other people. The longer I teach, the more helping people fuels me.

That’s where the idea for the Tushy Collective came from. Movement can be healing for the person doing the activity, but it can also serve as a way to bring people together and to do a little good. The goal of the Tushy Collective is to host fitness and wellness events where the proceeds are donated to colon cancer research, support and awareness.

I was lucky to get my diagnosis early on, but I know not everyone is that fortunate. Early detection, support while doing treatment, and recovery are just some of the ways the Tushy Collective strives to help.