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, the mystical versions of the world religions, spirituality, and serving others and the environment.
Mike spent his younger years working as a mountain guide and outdoor educator throughout the American West and internationally. 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 spent lots of time alone and with friends under the sun, the moon, and the stars in the deserts of the Southwest and on the mountains and in the valleys of the well-known mountain ranges of the world.
Currently, Mike has a psychotherapy private practice, instructs courses in the Graduate School of Counseling & Psychology at Naropa University, and guides spiritual students in meditation and spiritual training.
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 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 and is an avid rock climber and skier in his free time.