Michael graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS in Behavioral Science. After graduation, while working with kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he applied the principles of positive reinforcement and contingency based learning to help teach them life skills. He moved from Michigan to Colorado last spring in the hopes of working with dogs in a meaningful way. He has been able to apply the same principles of behavior in his work with swimming dogs. Teaching dogs to swim is his passion and he believes it is a healthy activity that any dog can learn and enjoy.