Mike joined the U.S. Army as a Human Resources Specialist in August 1999 and has served in numerous leadership roles. His deployments include two operational and two combat deployments within Iraq and Afghanistan. While deployed to Afghanistan he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Additionally, he has received numerous awards and completed professional military education while serving in the Army. During his recovery, Mike found Peer Support and how valuable it was to his own recovery. In 2018 he attained his Certified Peer Counseling Certificate through Washington State and completed Peer Support training through “Growing Veterans”. During Mike’s transition from the Army, he interned at the Peer Workforce Alliance, and the Orting Veterans Village where he served as a Certified Peer Counselor and Case Manager. Currently, Mike is volunteering his time through the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs as a VetCorps Navigator for Horses Guiding Humans. Additionally, he is pursuing degrees in Social Services and Psychology, and facilitates the Warrior's Heart Self-Care Group.
Education:
Associates in General Education- August 2021
Associates in Social Services and Mental Health- August 2021
Bachelor of Science in Social Services- Completion January 2025
Bachelor of Science in Psychology- Completion January 2025
Special Qualifications:
ASIST, Certified Peer Counselor
