Michael has been practicing Mahasati Insight Meditation since 1991. He is a licensed psychologist and is founder of the Centers for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation in Redding, CT, and Wenham, MA, the Mahasati Insight Meditation Association and the North Shore Center for Mindfulness.
Michael was born in 1958. While in his twenties, he began to investigate Buddhist meditation as a means to alleviate existential suffering. He studied Zen for several years, before turning to Mahasati Insight Meditation, which he encountered in 1991 after meeting Tavivat Puntarigvivat, a lay student of the Thai meditation master, Lunagpor Teean Jittasubho. In 1992, Michael began studying more intensively with visiting Thai Forest monks, Achan Thong Abhakaro, Achan Da Nilpant, Ajahn Kamkian and Achan Niphen Nontamart. Michael quickly realized the value of Mahasati Insight practice and has had a leading role in the introduction of Luangpor Teean’s teaching and practice to the West.