Mike's Experience
With a burning desire to help others either on the road to recovery or grieving a loss, Mike has put his journalistic, fundraising and speaking skills to work both as a Public Speaker and in co-founding Leah's Legacy.
Mike earned his communication-journalism degree from Shippensburg University and his master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from Eastern Michigan University. He serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation at a small rural hospital in South Central PA and is the co-founder of Leah's Legacy.​
Public Speaking
-
Congressional Sub Committee
-
Recovery Advocacy Day at PA State Capitol
-
PA Department Drug and Alcohol (DDAP) The Phoenix Makeover at PA State Capitol
-
Workshop Presenter (Bereaved Parents of USA among others)
-
Colleges, high/middle schools
-
Civic/community organizations
-
Guest speaker at sober living homes and agencies that support women in recovery
-
Podcast guest speaker (Life Unite Us, Our Hearts Are Home, among others)
-
Guest speaker on various radio programs (including syndicated host Wendy Bell)
Community
-
Parent Panel Advisory Committee (PPAC) through PA Department of Drug and Alcohol (DDAP)
-
Franklin-Fulton Drug & Alcohol Advisory Committee
-
Project SAAFE Advisory Committee (Fulton County)
-
Franklin County Human Services Block Grant Voting Committee
Author
-
The CALLing by Michael L. Straley - The Calling is a heartfelt piece that takes you on an emotional journey of parents struggling to understand their daughter's battle with addiction, the grief of losing a child and their valiant efforts to make a difference in the lives of others fighting the same addiction. (Buy Now)
