Michelle
Danielson, MD
I was first introduced to Direct Primary Care (DPC) in early 2024 and quickly realized it was the framework I had been searching for — one that allows me to reclaim a way of practicing medicine centered on partnership, trust, and family autonomy.
My passion for children began early, growing up in Sidney, Montana, where I knew even in elementary school that I wanted to become a pediatrician. After attending Carroll College and the University of Nevada School of Medicine, I completed my pediatric residency at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, in 2005. I then returned to Helena and spent more than sixteen years caring for wonderful families in a general pediatric practice.
In 2021, I stepped away from traditional medicine to serve as the director of an orphanage in Mexico — a move my husband and I thought would last a decade. Our mission came to a close in January 2024, and we returned home to Montana. My husband, Cody, began a new career as a realtor with Sherley Real Estate, and I discovered DPC. We now enjoy more time with our three adult children, their spouses, and our four grandchildren. I find joy in cooking, being outdoors, and sharing life around the dining room table with family and friends.
Integrative Medicine Philosophy -
Through my Pediatric Integrative Medicine certification from the Academy of Pediatric Integrative Medicine, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to combine conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary practices that support the whole child — body, mind, and spirit.
This approach may include exploring nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, or mindfulness alongside traditional care — always guided by science, safety, and each family’s unique values. Integrative medicine doesn’t replace conventional pediatrics; it expands it, allowing for care that promotes resilience, balance, and lifelong wellness.
Whether through long-term membership care or a single comprehensive well visit, I’m grateful to offer a broader, more holistic perspective for every child I see.
Mental Health–Informed Care -
In August 2025, I completed my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a journey that profoundly shaped how I see and support children and families.
This training deepened my understanding of how emotional and relational well-being influence physical health. It helps me bring a calm, attuned presence to every interaction and integrate mental health awareness into pediatric care in practical, compassionate ways.
By combining backgrounds in pediatrics, integrative medicine, and counseling, my goal is to nurture children in all dimensions of health — physical, emotional, and developmental — and to walk alongside families with intention and care.
Why Direct Primary Care -
Part of my decision to leave traditional medicine came from experiencing a system that no longer prioritized relationships or honored the autonomy I believe is central to every person’s healthcare.
Through Direct Primary Care, I’ve returned to what matters most — time, connection, and individualized care. This model allows me to collaborate with families in meaningful ways and integrate both evidence-based and holistic perspectives without the limitations of insurance-driven care.
I would love the opportunity to connect with your family and help you determine whether Unique by Design Pediatrics is the right fit for your child’s care.
