A New York City native, Michael chose to leave his hometown of Queens to join the U.S Navy in 1999. With years of conducting helicopter search and rescue missions deployed around the globe as a helicopter rescue swimmer, combat search and rescue crewman and anti-submarine warfare operator deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
A successful businessman inside the corporate structure of higher education for 13 years, Michael earned an MBA , MaEd/AET and the responsibility as a Senior Director of Operations for the Dept of Military and Veteran Affairs for a fortune 500 organization in Tempe, Arizona dedicating his life to active duty military, reserve and veteran education programs.
After many bouts with cervical spine issues, neurological pain and degradation, Michael turned to natural /alternative methods after fully exploring western science medical practices, spine surgery, pain management, pharmaceutical intervention and advice. After declining a professional recommendation for a second cervical surgery, Michael explored alternative methods and ideologies to healing putting a lot of emphasis in trying to understand the mind-body connection with hopes that this would put an end to chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and neurological issues.
Michael’s journey took him to the Amazon jungle exploring healing modalities used by indigenous people of that region using medicinal plants, diets and ancestral practices to explore the mind-body and spirit with great results.
Michael also found the Wim Hof Method using cold water, breathing exercises and a change in his mindset as a tool for self-healing and deeper understanding of self. Using the cold-water therapy, breathwork and sauna, Michael committed to a daily practice seeing great results in pain management, improved sleep, inflammation, clarity, peace of mind, energy and resilience. Using these natural methods and living a life committed to working on himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, there never was a need for a second surgery, pharmaceutical intervention and pain management clinics since 2012.
Using lesson learned and research from his journey into natural and alternative methods learning from some of the best in their fields, Michael became a Wim Hof Method certified instructor teaching across the U.S and Mexico, XPT (Breath, Move, Recover) Coach combining contrast therapy training, breath-work and pool training to others around the valley. Michael a teacher by nature with a master’s degree in adult education and training, he considers himself a student for life in the area of self-exploration, biohacking, wellness and ancient practices that have stood the test of time.