Mike was born in 1974 in the southeastern United States. After some difficult experiences in his younger years, Mike found his refuges in the natural world, outdoor adventure, psychology and understanding the human mind and emotions, meditation and Yoga, studying the mystical versions of the world religions, spirituality, and serving others and the environment.
Mike spent his late teens, 20s, and 30s working as an outdoor educator, river guide, and as an internationally certified mountain guide; he worked throughout the American West, in Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, and in the French Alps. When not working, he rock climbed, skied, kayaked, and climbed mountains. He explored the mind and heart through reading and reflection, meditation, Yoga, and living in various spiritual retreat centers.
Mike's graduate degree is in Contemplative Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. His undergraduate degree is in Recreation Management concentrating in Outdoor Experiential Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Mike taught in the Graduate School of Counseling and Psychology at Naropa University for 5 years.
Mike maintains a healthy life balance of daily meditation and exercise, healthy diet, time spent with family and friends, career development, service to others, and fun. Mike enjoys camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing in his free time.
