Michael is a dynamic speaker, educator, social worker, and mental health advocate who has spent more than 25 years working alongside young people and helping them recognize the power of their own stories. 

 

Through humor, honesty, and real-life experiences, Michael creates conversations about mental health, identity, belonging, substance use prevention, and what it means to show up as your authentic self. As an immigrant, Asian American, queer man, and someone with lived experience navigating mental health challenges, Michael brings together the many parts of his identy to share stories that are relatable, meaningful, and real.

 

At the heart of Michael's work is a belief in the strength, creativity, and potential of young people. He encourages youth to embrace who they are, find their voice, build connections, and recognize that their experiences can become a source of strength - not only for themselves, but for their communities.