Michael Kiel is a rehab counselor/rehabilitation specialist, advocate and author. He holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in rehabilitation counseling. He has been working the field of vocational rehabilitation for 20 years at the Hiram G Andrews Center in Johnstown PA. Michael works primarily with the Cognitive Skills Enhancement Program (CSEP), but also provides support for the Center for Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology (CART) along with advocacy and outreach. He has spent the bulk of his career working with young adults with disabilities. His career has centered around a comprehensive approach to employment and self-advocacy, which includes cognitive therapy, assistive technology, life skills/social skills, sexuality and intimacy along with many other topics. The overall goal of which is to empower individuals with disabilities to be independent and have an active voice in the world around them, in the hopes that a taste of empowerment will lead to a thirst for independence.
He sits on several Boards of Directors and his personal interests include spending time traveling, motivational speaking, playing chess, writing and enjoying the company of friends and family, particularly his two nephews