When Michella Filipowitz left Miami to start a new chapter in Sydney, she knew the move would come with its own set of challenges. Adapting to a new country, a new culture, and a different pace of life was something she was prepared to face. However, what she couldn’t have anticipated were the unique and profound challenges she would encounter as a single mother raising a child with autism. Rather than allowing these difficulties to deter her, Michella turned them into a catalyst for change, leading her to co-found the DR Family Foundation in Australia.
Michella’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Her multifaceted background as a model, business owner, and philanthropist reflects a life committed to helping others, particularly children with disabilities. At just 23, Michella became a single mother, and shortly thereafter, her son was diagnosed with autism. This diagnosis, while daunting, fueled her determination to create a supportive environment not just for her son, but for other families facing similar challenges.
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella is effecting real change in the lives of children with disabilities. The foundation provides financial support to cover school fees for children who might otherwise be excluded from educational opportunities. Education is a fundamental right, and Michella is determined to ensure that no child is left behind due to financial barriers. Beyond this, she is working on a groundbreaking project—a shelter that is set to open next summer. This shelter will serve as a sanctuary for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the care and support they desperately need.
“This shelter is more than just a roof over their heads,” Michella explains. “We’re building a community where these children can feel secure, supported, and valued. It’s about giving them a place where they can grow and thrive, despite the challenges they’ve faced.”
The motivation behind Michella’s work is deeply personal. Her own experiences as a single mother to a child with autism have given her a unique perspective and a deep empathy for other families in similar situations. “I’ve been through it,” she says. “I know how isolating and overwhelming it can be. That’s why I want to use my experiences to help others, to offer them the support that I sometimes felt was lacking.”
One of the most poignant moments in Michella’s journey was watching her son, Benjamin, play alone while other children played together. This image stayed with her, highlighting the social isolation that many children with disabilities face. Despite the fact that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, the stigma and lack of understanding persist, leading to isolation and missed opportunities.
“In Australia, the support for children with disabilities is not as robust as it was in Miami,” Michella observes. “Finding a school that was willing to accept my son was an incredibly difficult process, especially as he was getting ready to start kindergarten.”
Michella recounts the numerous private schools that turned Benjamin away, citing a lack of resources and an unwillingness to accommodate his needs. “It was incredibly frustrating,” she recalls. “These schools just didn’t want to take on the challenge of educating a child on the spectrum. They saw him as a potential disruption rather than a student with the potential to learn and grow.”
This experience solidified Michella’s belief that segregating children with disabilities into specialized schools is not the answer. Instead, she advocates for more inclusive classrooms where all children, regardless of their abilities, can learn from one another. “Children with disabilities didn’t choose their challenges,” she emphasizes. “They deserve to be included, supported, and given the same opportunities as any other child.”
Michella’s experience in Miami provided her with a glimpse of what is possible when children with disabilities are integrated into mainstream educational settings. The school she found for Benjamin in Miami embraced him fully, and the results were astounding. Benjamin began speaking, reading, and developing new skills—milestones that might not have been reached in a less inclusive environment.
“When I saw how much Benjamin thrived in that school, it solidified my belief that inclusion is key,” Michella says. “It’s not just about academics; it’s about socialization, building relationships, and helping these children feel like they belong.”
Recently, Michella’s perseverance paid off in Sydney when Benjamin was accepted into a public school. This milestone was not just a victory for Michella and her son but also a testament to the power of advocacy and determination.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion,” Michella shares. “I sat in the car and cried tears of joy. The principal was so understanding and supportive. He assured me that other children with disabilities were also doing well at the school, which gave me so much hope.”
Michella’s vision for the future extends beyond her own family. She dreams of an education system where children with disabilities are fully integrated and where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. She knows that this kind of systemic change won’t happen overnight, but she’s committed to being part of the solution.
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella is actively working to create this inclusive future. In addition to supporting educational initiatives, the foundation is launching a soccer team for children with disabilities. This team will provide a space for these children to engage in physical activity, build friendships, and experience the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.
“My goal is to create a place where every child feels they belong,” Michella explains. “I want them to know that they are valued, that they have something to contribute, and that their differences are what make them special.”
Michella’s personal challenges have only strengthened her resolve to help others. She understands that the road ahead may be long, but she is committed to walking it—one step at a time, one child at a time. Her journey from Miami to Sydney, from model to philanthropist, is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and community.
Michella Filipowitz’s story is far from over. As she continues to build the DR Family Foundation, she is also building a legacy of compassion and inclusion that will impact countless lives. To stay updated on Michella’s work and to follow her inspiring journey, visit her Instagram @princessmichella.
