Mike serves as CEO & President, focusing on SamaraCare effectively fulfilling its mission. He previously served as the Clinical Director of SamaraCare for 6 years. He is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and experienced consultant to clergy and congregations on areas including leadership, strategic planning, and conflict mediation. Before joining the SamaraCare team, he served in full-time parish ministry for 15 years, most recently as the senior pastor of a multi-staff congregation.
Mike is honored to be a part of the healing process that occurs in individuals, couples, and families through therapy. He uses a variety of therapeutic approaches and relies heavily on Bowen family systems theory, which views the family as an emotional unit that’s intensely connected. He is also a Certified Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Practitioner. NET can be used to help individuals identify and let go of “stuck” mind-body stress patterns. Mike works with adults, couples, families, and older adults and specializes in treating anxiety and panic disorders, depression and stress, marital and family conflict, grief and loss, spirituality/faith/existential, and trauma recovery.
Mike received an M.A. in clinical social work from the University of Chicago and a M.Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. His D.Min. is from Northern Seminary, where he taught courses in pastoral care and counseling, conflict mediation, and Bowen family systems theory. He currently serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Community Health Council.
Besides spending time with family, Mike’s main interest is music. He’s an active, upright, and electric bassist.