Michael (also answers to Mike) was born and raised in Ida, Michigan. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. He managed field operations for the Michigan State University Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory for several years conducting research projects focused on the long-term fate of environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. He was fortunate to spend nearly a decade in and around wildlife and the outdoors. The best part was the chance meeting of his wife, Justine while she was in veterinary school.
Their combined love of the outdoors eventually led them to pursue settling in the Pacific Northwest. The Kitsap Peninsula in particular and its proximity to salt & freshwater habitats, mountains, national parks, and great natural beauty instantly made Mike feel at home. Mike was the hospital manager of a veterinary hospital in Port Orchard for 3 1/2 years before leaving to support Justine in their new adventure at Brookside Veterinary Hospital.
He has a 2-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son, a goofy 10yr old American Bulldog named Lucy, and a new French Bulldog puppy named Pepper. When not working he enjoys spending quality time with the family, being a father, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, traveling, mountain biking, being outside in any capacity, and is a proud member of the Port Orchard Rotary Club.