About Mike
For over 40 years, Mike has supported children, adolescents, young adults, and their families in uncovering their talents and finding each individual’s unique path in life. As a biological father of one and stepfather of two, he understands the complexities and nuances inherent in blended families with diverse cultural identities.
Professionally, he has dedicated his career to developing programs in schools and healthcare settings to help youth, young adults and their parents and/or guardians. For 23 years, he served at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) in a variety of roles, ranging from developing and directing the Learning Support Programs, to leading the Counseling Department, to supporting the administration as an Assistant Head of School. Most recently, Mike developed and launched the high school Options Program at SAAS, a program that provides intensive and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs.
Mike began his career working in the national dissemination grant, Project HELDS (Higher Educations for Learning Disabled Students) and wrote grants to service students with disabilities in Community College settings. He has served as a public school special education teacher, where he transformed a self-contained behavior program into a successful inclusion program. He has also helped establish Elementary Counseling Services at 6 public schools and Study Skills classes in various Middle School settings. Beyond program development, Mike has had experience in providing assessment and consultation services in hospital settings. He has taught university and college counseling courses, provided extensive professional development and parent education presentations, and consulted with multiple social service settings. In addition, he has served on many Board and advisory committees, including his current service to Sharing The Stage.
Mike has coauthored several books, including Leadership in Behavior Support, Meaningful Work, and Administrators Desk Reference of Behavior Management.
Mike received his Masters Degree from the University of Washington with an emphasis on Counseling. He received his undergraduate degree from Central Washington University, specializing in Special Education and he completed an administrative certification Program from Gonzaga University.
Mike spends his recreational time outdoors and on the water somewhere between Alaska and Mexico. Photography, cooking, fishing and faceting are his main hobbies. He also loves to travel extensively and visit family in Taiwan.