Michael Kiel was born in Portage, a small town about 90 miles east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up surrounded by a large, but close knit Irish Catholic family. He attended parochial school through eighth grade and then attended public high school prior to starting college at Penn State University’s Altoona campus. Michael was shot point-blank in the side of the neck in the spring of his sophomore year, resulting in a complete spinal cord injury at the C3-C4 level. After two months in a Johnstown ICU and an additional two months at Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta Georgia, Michael returned to Penn State for another year before transferring to Edinboro University where he completed his undergraduate work in Psychology, followed by a Masters degree in Rehab Counseling. While in graduate school, Michael and a partner started their own small business, a health and fitness center, which they owned and operated for nine years. He is currently employed as a rehab specialist through the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehab Science.

He has spent the last 20 years working with young adults with disabilities while they pursue vocational training at the Hiram G Andrews Center. He sits on several Boards of Directors and spends his free time traveling, playing chess, watching movies and enjoying the company of friends and family, particularly his two nephews. He published his memoir, Challenge the Moment, in August 2019.

Michael published his memoir, Challenge the Moment, in 2019.   This memoir is about his perspective on life – his entire life – before, during, and after a life-altering spinal injury. He shares many of his highs and lows, the importance of humor, and the incredible support around him. His brutally honest life story, along with his poems, and humorous anecdotes will inspire others to discover humor and strength through their own challenging moments.

Follow Micheal at https://www.facebook.com/Challenge-the-Moment-102236794655974