The Frances Olivero Advocacy Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated inspiring community leadership and unique contributions in advocacy around a particular issue on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities.
You may recognize Michael as the longstanding, loving host of our conference’s Open Mike program for the past decade.
Michael has approached his work supporting those who are healing from trauma, abuse and mental health conditions in two ways: as a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has performed widely and has released several CDs, including ‘Train of Tears’, and as a popular public speaker at conferences, training seminars, and events all over the country.
In the words of his daughter Alisa, “I am amazed at my father's strength to handle what he has gone through and turn out so well. He is a hero to make good of what he came from and turn his life around.”
