Originally from Helena, Montana, Michael has called the Bay Area home for more than two decades. He is inspired by Pope Francis’ call to respond to the interconnected “cries of the earth and cries of the poor"" and was drawn to O’Dowd because of the school's commitment to social justice, kinship with creation, and joy

Michael earned his undergraduate degree and M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame and later completed an MA in Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. His teaching philosophy centers on his version of the “three R’s”: reflection, relationship, and resiliency. He believes what makes O’Dowd truly special is that, at its heart, the school is grounded in joy. Outside of school, Michael enjoys trail running, mountain biking, and playing Irish music.