Michelle Morgan on Mom Life with Three Kids, Filmmaker, and Heartland

Fans know Michelle Morgan best as Lou Fleming on Heartland, the business-minded sister who keeps the family ranch running. But away from the cameras, Michelle's daily life is even busier—she's raising three kids, making movies, and supporting causes she cares deeply about, all while filming Season 18 of Heartland this spring.

Last November, Michelle offered fans a glimpse into her daily routine:

“I'm in full-on 'mom mode x3'—school drop-offs, soccer games, nap schedules...and Heartland filming all at once.”

Michelle and her husband Derek Tisdelle, married since 2012, have three children: Mara (now 14), Noah (school-aged), and Celeste, born in summer 2022. A typical morning for Michelle involves getting Mara and Noah off to school, breakfast routines, and then running errands or having playtime with Celeste.

Afternoons get even busier. Between soccer practices, filming scenes on set, and quick moments of family time, Michelle relies on support from Derek and her mom. Evenings are quieter, usually featuring family dinners, bedtime stories, and finally, time for her own creative projects—like preparing scripts or production notes for her company, Medano Films.

Fans who remember Mara as a lively toddler now see her entering teen years. Michelle shares that her personal experiences parenting a teenager have enriched her portrayal of Lou’s relationship with her fictional teen daughter, Katie, on Heartland.

Fans might remember when Mara was a bubbly toddler—now she's navigating her teen years, and Michelle says this experience has helped her portray Lou’s relationship with her own teen daughter, Katie, on Heartland.

Season 18 has Lou dealing with tough ranch decisions, drought, and family conflicts that feel realistic for Michelle. She even directed several episodes this season, including big events like rodeos and barn dances, calling the experience “really fun.”

Outside of Heartland, Michelle is building a filmmaking career. Her company, Medano Films, produced shorts like Mi Madre, My Father (shown at Cannes in 2018) and Save Yourself (2019). She's also developing her first feature film, The Plains, after being selected for the Women in the Director’s Chair program. Recently, she starred alongside Joey McIntyre in a 2024 Roku holiday film, Jingle Bell Love.

Michelle openly discusses the challenges of juggling motherhood and a busy career:

“There are good days and harder days...and it’s okay to ask for help.” She emphasizes the importance of her support system, which includes Derek, her sisters, and her mom.

She also spends time volunteering with Calgary organizations like Brenda Strafford Centre and Homefront, helping survivors of domestic violence—a commitment she's kept for over 15 years.

Michelle Morgan’s life is about more than her role on Heartland. It’s about finding balance in the chaos, staying connected to family, creativity, and community, and showing us that doing it all doesn't mean doing it alone.