Profile: Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Rev. Michelle Robertshaw

“We grew up on a lake with orange groves, lots of pastures and freedom,” Michelle recalled. “All the neighbors on the street knew each other and looked out for the kids. If you did something wrong, your parents would know before you got home. It was a wonderful, safe place to grow up and experience life.”

“I remember going to the movies in Tampa’s old historic theatre on a hot summer day,” said Michelle. “The ceiling of the theatre had glowing stars all over it and the outdoors was painted like an Italian Villa. It was a magical kind of place to go.”

Michelle’s father Lee Robertshaw was a contract manager in Chicago before he moved at the age of 22 to St. Petersburg.

“My dad grew up in the concrete jungle,” laughed Michelle. “That’s what he called Chicago. He wanted his children to have access to nature and greenery so he moved to Florida where he met my mother Nancy.”

Michelle’s parents eventually settled down in Tampa where both she and her siblings, Lisa and Jason, were born.

“My father is an amazing father,” smiled Michelle. “He was always hands-on with us growing up. He worked really hard during the week and would spend the weekend with us trying to give us as many life skills as we could possibly have. We had book knowledge through school but he would teach us other things like how to fish. We would go out into the woods and learn about various plants and star gaze. He is a man who really loves his children.”

Michelle’s mother Nancy worked as a nurse before she stayed at home with Michelle and her siblings to raise them.

“My mom is a wonderful mom,” said Michelle. “She can talk to anybody. All of us found that annoying when we were little. She was the one who went to the grocery store and would talk to the person in front of her. She could make a friend out of anybody. She always had an activity for us when it was a rainy day or we had nothing to do. We would invite the neighborhood kids over and do science projects or crafts together. After we grew up she worked at a boutique shop part time.”

Michelle’s call to serve God started at an early age with the help of her bishop.

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