Michael has been working with children and families for close to two decades, in a variety of capacities, including as a Multi-Systemic Therapist, Clinical Director, Children’s Pastor, Camp Counselor and speaker. After serving as a Children’s pastor, he went on to obtain his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. Following seminary, Michael worked at The Buckeye Ranch in Columbus Ohio as a Multi-Systemic Therapist, working with individuals 12-18 and their families. The primary focus was to work with the family system to assist children who were having difficulties with behavior.

Michael founded and leads Gateway Family Services of Illinois, providing trauma focused-equine assisted psychotherapy, Individual & Family Therapy. His team is working with individuals and families across the lifespan who have experienced trauma. Michael has spent several years working with youth in the foster care system & post-adoption. Gateway Family Services is also working with the VA Illiana Health Care System to provide services to veterans. In addition to Gateway Family Services, Michael is currently the Executive Director of Hooves of Hope, a faith-based mentoring program.

Michael is passionate about neuroscience and understanding the impact of trauma on the brain. Michael has begun Phase II/TTT with the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics course taught by the leading trauma expert Bruce D. Perry MD, PhD. A part of his training is to work with mentors and help Phase I participants from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Michael is also a trainer for Natural Lifemanship, the model of therapy that incorporates the Neurosequential model to understand human and horse brain development. He was recently inducted into the International Association of HealthCare Providers, being recognized as a leader in his field.

In Michael’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Gabby & their twin boys, riding horses, photography, playing the piano, & building projects.

In This Episode

• Gateway Family Services
• More Than Informed
• The Rising Tide Conference
• Michael on Twitter
• Michael on Linkedin
• Natural Lifemanship

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