Michael was one of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's first students in Boulder. He attended the first 3-month Vajradhatu Seminary offered by CTR. He was a staff member at Karmê Chöling for 4 years and helped with the formation of the Dorje Kasung. After Karmê Chöling, he was the Director at Rocky Mountain Dharma Center (now called Drala Mountain Center) for 2 years. He was also a volunteer chaplain in the Massachusetts prison system for more than 20 years.
Currently, Michael is an active volunteer at Karmê Chöling teaching and coordinating programs. In addition he is the co-chair of the Ryegate Energy Sustainability Committee, an avid biker, skier and yoga practitioner.