Kern County Teen Challenge

A native of Kern County, Michael grew up in Wasco. Upon high school graduation, he went on to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. But the lure of alcohol and drugs caused him to lose focus and his life spiraled out of control. Walking away from his Christian upbringing, he drifted through life with no sense of purpose or direction. Then the day came when he was ready for change. He found and entered San Diego Teen Challenge in 2007—and began a renewed life with Christ free of drugs and alcohol.

After an internship at Inland Empire Teen Challenge, he worked in sales and the medical industry for years. Then God called him back to Kern County and Michael began working for Kern County Teen Challenge in August 2014. Over the next several years, he served in and managed various departments at the center and in May 2020, was promoted to Director.

Today, Michael’s heart is to serve the lost and hurting men and women in Kern County and beyond who need to experience the freeing redemption he found in Christ Jesus. He and his wife Kailey are the proud parents of a little boy and love living the redeemed life God has given them.