Michael Higginbotham

Michael Peter Higginbotham II graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor’s degree in human development—across the lifespan—with a focus in child development. He minored in research methodology where he applied his degree in many research projects through the university that studied social interactions of children. One of the research programs looked at the access to medical providers for people on the Autism spectrum utilizing a community psychology approach.

Michael continued his education at Southern Oregon University where he obtained his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. There he continued his community work by working as an intern at a local non-profit treatment center for substance abuse and mental health. Michael obtained his CADC I (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) while working there eventually as a full-time employee. He has participated in ASIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) as well as trainings through PESI, a non-profit organization, on suicide and self-mutilation intervention and how they interact within different mental health issues.

Michael has participated in trainings on gaming theory and how it applies to teen motivation in career planning at the American Counseling Association Convention in 2017 in San Francisco. In 2016 Michael participated in trainings on how pain changes the brain as well as how trauma leads to psychosis put together by the Oregon Counseling Association. In 2018 Michael participated in 6 credit hours of continuing education and certification in the Seeking Safety Model for Trauma and/or Substance Abuse.

Michael is also is a National Board Certified Counselor

From 2016 to 2019 Michael has worked for a local non-profit drug treatment and counseling center as a Counselor and CADC I. There he worked with everything from federally mandated clients post prison on Trauma related issues to volunteer mental health clients needing assistance with anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. From 2011 to 2012 Michael was the assistant to Elesia Ashkenazy and other members of the autism community in the Portland, Oregon area with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. From 2009 to 2010 he volunteered as a classroom aide at the Barnes elementary school working with students in challenging classroom environments. From 2007 to 2009 Michael worked as a volunteer with the Astoria Women’s resource Center in various capacities that in