Michael graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Religious Studies before attending graduate school. He earned his Master of Arts/ Education Specialist Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Gardner-Webb University. He has 16 years of counseling experience; most of which was spent in the counseling center at Gardner-Webb. He believes we all have the tools within us to help facilitate the change we need; sometimes we need to be shown how to overcome our fears.