About Us
about Michèle O’Reilly
Michèle O’Reilly, a Darien native and Southport resident, is the founder and director of The Connecticut School of Etiquette, an etiquette consulting firm specializing in Children, Teen, Young Adult, Social, Professional, and Business Etiquette programs as well as private coaching.
In addition to earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Economics from The University of Connecticut, Storrs, and a Masters Degree in Counseling from Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut, Michèle is certified by The Protocol School of Washington for Children’s Etiquette programs (ages 8-22). She is one of twenty individuals worldwide to be trained by The Emily Post Institute for Business Etiquette programs and the first consultant to have completed both trainings. A recognized expert in etiquette, she has been frequently quoted in various local and national media including the Wall Street Journal, Parents Magazine, featured in the New York Times and television news and radio programs.
After college, Michèle spent many years working on Wall Street and became keenly aware that, despite impressive resumes and outstanding academic achievements, those who were most successful harnessed their personal and social skills to open doors their resumes could not. “The high demand for our Professional programs is proof that in today’s competitive markets, companies are looking for well-rounded, dynamic, polished executives who can increase an organization’s presence and profitability. The payoff for such training is immeasurable resulting in stronger relationships both in the workplace and beyond.”
Michèle is often asked by parents, “Do you know how hard it is to teach my kids manners?” To which she replies, “Actually, I do.” She is the mother of five children (teens to toddlers) and uses her first-hand experience and knowledge to encourage the painfully shy and support those who are eager to return home and educate parents and siblings. Her programs are interactive and educational, laying the groundwork for increased confidence, self-respect, and respect for others. She cautions though, that learning manners is not unlike learning to play an instrument or ride a bike: children must be encouraged and the skills reinforced consistently in order to be mastered and maintained.