Michael is a graduate of San Francisco State University and has an MA from the University of Wales. Originally from Kentucky, he has lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, California, the United Kingdom, Japan, Poland, and Brazil. He arrived in Madrid in 2001 and since then he has taught classes at all levels (beginners to competition). He worked as a hammock salesman, manufacturer of bagels and circus clown. He has also worked as an English textbook editor for Cambridge University Press. He likes following his favorite basketball team (the Golden State Warriors), hiking in the mountains, and traveling on the road with his family.