Michael enjoyed several disparate careers from the performing arts to construction, network administration to being a programme manager at the Bernard Betel Centre, a senior citizens community centre in Toronto. It was there, in 2006 that he began volunteering for United Way Speakers Bureau, a passion that he continues to this day.

He was awarded the inaugural “Innovation and Creativity Award” given by the United Way Bhayana Family Foundation for his work teaching computer skills to senior citizens. Michael was the Creative Director of Songs of the City, a major annual event for United Way held as a thank you to major donors in Toronto, St. Catherines, Halifax and New Brunswich. He volunteers at a transitional home for Alzheimer a d related dementia patients as well. Michael is a recipient of the Volunteer Toronto Legacy Award.

Michel found his true passion 15 years ago as a coach and mentor to aspiing storytellers. He subscribes o what Peggy Noonan wrote: “ A speech is poetry: cadence, rhythm, imagery, sweep. A speech reminds us that words, like children, have the power to make dance the dullest beanbag of a heart.” But there is something more - storytelling is redemptive for both the speaker and the listener. And for Michael, mentoring storytellers is redemptive too.