Approaching two decades at O’Dowd, Michael brings long experience and enthusiasm to his work with students. Originally from Sacramento, where he attended Jesuit High School, he has lived in the Bay Area since 1995 and previously worked at St. Ignatius as a Spanish teacher, at the University of San Francisco in counseling, and at Santa Clara University in campus ministry. He earned his BA in Business from USC, a BA in Spanish and a Master’s in Philosophy from Gonzaga University, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and a Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley.

He enjoys working with young people and values the energy they bring to the classroom. His teaching emphasizes building strong connections with students while creating a supportive environment where repetition, encouragement, and a sense of humor help students feel comfortable learning. He believes O’Dowd is a special place because of its diversity and the way it encourages every student to show up authentically.