Alumna enjoys being creative through occupational therapy and design careers

Creativity has been a constant throughout Michelle Kiffmeyer’s life, whether it’s helping individuals strengthen fine motor skills or celebrating life’s big moments.

Kiffmeyer earned her degree in psychology from St. Cloud State University in 2008, after transferring to SCSU from another university.

“I was really missing home and St. Cloud State just felt like such a good fit. I really enjoyed my time here. I felt comfortable here. It was easy for me to balance work and school,” she said. “It turned out to be such a great experience and such a perfect place for me to be.”

She earned her master’s in occupational therapy from another university before going on to work in the field full-time for about 12 years.

“I’ve always been a pretty creative person. I’ve always liked to make things, so OT was completely my jam. I knew that was what I wanted to do once I realized what OT was,” Kiffmeyer said. “I was really excited to be able to be creative in my profession. Working with kids was also really important to me, so that was a perfect fit. I got to problem solve and just have fun.”

Along the way, she found other outlets for her creativity by making things at home for friends and family. On a whim one night in 2019 she made a Facebook page for her creations, and MK Designs was born. Today, Kiffmeyer focuses on her design business full-time and works in OT part-time. She makes everything from laser-cut signs and decor, to shirts, marquee letters, custom signs and everything in between, and hosts do-it-yourself sign parties. She does party decorating as well and was busy working on multiple graduation parties in summer 2025. Kiffmeyer also participates in some of Minnesota’s largest vendor events.

“I love the flexibility it offers me and my family,” she said. “I really enjoy the amount of people I've made cry in the best way — it is so rewarding.”

Kiffmeyer was excited to start an opportunity that merges her two passions. In August 2025 she planned to start working with Foley Area CARE, which works with the older population looking to continue living at home for as long as possible. Kiffmeyer was set to take over the art program, hosting a monthly art class for senior citizens. It’s a full-circle moment for her, as she started her OT career in geriatrics. The impact she’s been able to have through both careers has meant everything to Kiffmeyer.

“Helping others is so important to me. It's obviously a little bit different in OT, where I can physically help them — I can help them rehab, get better, I can improve their skills — and now it's helping people celebrate and helping people remember loved ones, celebrate weddings and all these things,” she said. “People trust me, and it's just such an honor to be part of some of these occasions and events.”

She encouraged others either considering an occupational therapy profession or starting their own business to take the plunge.

“I joke that I quit my full-time job to work 24/7, because that's just how things go. But, for me, it's been the best decision,” Kiffmeyer said. “It was really scary to let go of that full-time job that I anticipated myself working until I retired. But with the needs of my family, and then how well it was received, it just worked out perfectly.”