Rehabilitation Services Inpatient Operations Manager Michael has received
the North Oaks Health System Leader of the Month Award for September 2017.
Michael joined North Oaks in 2007 as a Physical Therapist. In 2009, he
was promoted to Physical Therapy Supervisor, and in 2010, he began supervising
the Medical Center Support Staff. In 2011, he was promoted to Inpatient
Therapy Coordinator, and he accepted his current position in 2012.
"In a profession where we often see people at their lowest, it's
my No. 1 duty to find a way to make their day better," shares Michael.
A graduate of the University of New Orleans with a bachelor’s degree
in Kinesiology, Michael earned a master’s degree in Physical Therapy
from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
Watching a physical therapy session for a child with cancer helped him
find his calling.
“The therapists were able to bring joy to this brave child —
even if it was only for a brief time,” he explains.
Michael lives in Ponchatoula with his wife Tiffany. They have two daughters:
Destiny, 18, and Layla, 10.
Whether supporting Layla’s athletic events or testing his foodie
skills in the kitchen,
Michael treasures family time.
As a sports fan and Level II USA Track & Field Coach, he is often spotted
at local track meets and professional basketball and football games.
“Michael is a committed and driven leader," affirms Rehabilitation
Services Director Mac Barrient. "His dedication and passion shines
through in everything he does. We are lucky that he is part of our ‘rehab
family.'"