Our Spiritual Director

Mike was born in 1974, practiced Christianity as a child, started meditating in 1992, and started practicing Yoga in 1994. After exploring a variety of spiritual traditions, Mike committed to Buddhism in 2000, and entered formal Zen training in 2003. Mike lived residentially for roughly ten years spread between Great Vow Zen Monastery (OR), Yokoji Zen Mountain Center (CA), and Great Mountain Zen Center (CO). Mike spent 17 years in training at Great Mountain Zen Center with Roshi Gerry Shishin Wick and Roshi Ilia Shinko Perez. Mike received Jukai (the Bodhisattva Precepts) from Roshi Charles Tenshin Fletcher in 2006, and Novice Priest Ordination in 2008, Full Priest Ordination in 2017, and Dharma Holder (non-independent Teacher) in 2020 with Roshis Shishin and Shinko.

Months away from Dharma transmission in the Zen tradition, Mike stepped away and re-evaluated his intentions for spiritual practice and teaching. In 2023 and 2024, several people approached Mike asking for spiritual direction, and after months of soul-searching and a final dip of the toes into the Zen culture, Mike decided that Zen was too limited and had too many cultural and psychological blindspots. Mike finally decided to offer direction from an eclectic and more integral/holistic angle that includes the wisdom from a variety of spiritual and psychological traditions, as well as the inclusion of interpersonal connection, physical exercise, the arts, the use of psychedelics, and the incorporation of good ole' fashioned FUN.

Mike is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and Psychedelic Therapist in private practice in Boulder, CO. Mike teaches in the Graduate School of Counseling and Psychology at Naropa University. Mike was an internationally certified (IFMGA/AMGA) Mountain Guide and Outward Bound Instructor and Course Director for 25 years before transitioning completely to psychotherapy and teaching. Mike is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast.