Austin Community College District (ACC) is proud to celebrate Michelle McCarty as the recipient of the 2025 Social Impact & Innovation Award at this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards.
The Alumni Achievement Awards honor graduates who embody the College’s mission and values. The Social Impact & Innovation Award recognizes alumni who are creating meaningful change through forward-thinking solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities. View, download, and share photos from this year’s event here.
Innovating with Compassion
McCarty is being honored for her pioneering work as an Aging in Place Specialist and End-of-Life Doula. She combines clinical expertise with compassionate care to support individuals and families navigating life’s most vulnerable moments. She co-founded ReInventing Independence, a company dedicated to helping people remain independent and dignified as they age, and leads Solace and Sage, an organization that expands access to end-of-life services.
Her approach is informed by a diverse educational journey. She holds both a bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a master’s in School Psychology from Texas State University. After earning these degrees, McCarty saw an opportunity to build a career that focused on easing the preparation for the end of life. She recognized that the skills and credentials she was missing could be achieved through ACC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. So, she enrolled at ACC and went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Leader and Advocate for ACC
McCarty remains deeply connected to ACC as an active member of the Workforce and Healthcare Advisory Council, where she advocates for aligning college programs with the evolving needs of healthcare and workforce development. She also contributes to the occupational therapy field through a white paper sharing evidence-based practices to improve end-of-life care.
A Vision for Dignity in Care
Through her leadership and innovation, McCarty is shaping new models of care that emphasize dignity, compassion, and holistic support.
