Who is Michael Adkins?
I am 70 years old and was happily married for 32 years. My wife died, making me a widower. Now remarried, I am moving forward in building a new normal. I have a 28 year-old son who remains close, and a 29 year-old step daughter. I have been a counsellor in private practice for over 25 years.
My educational background includes Psychology and Dramatic Arts combined with extensive training in psychological first aid, trauma, conflict resolution and addictions.
My work encompasses significant experience in social work as a front-line worker with both the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton.
I have also held counselling positions with various Employee Assistance Providers (EAP). Since opening my private practice, I provide counselling services to private clients, as well as through contracts with the following EAP’s:
- Arete
- Aspiria
- Corporate Health
- Ceridian
- Guthrie and Associates
- Health Canada
- Off-Site Resources
- FGI
- Humanacare
- Corporate Health
- Members Health
I am a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals. I am caring, empathetic and devoted to helping individuals, families and the community.
I am the author of two children’s books. Orknon was my Friend is a book that assists children with grieving the loss of a friend. Touching, is a book about child abuse that was written to empower children.
I am the playwright of two produced children’s plays. Touching, is a play about child abuse that toured schools in Southern Ontario for 14 years and was eventually made into a film. Park and Beans, is a play about being true to who you are. It toured the province and was performed in City parks during the summer holidays.
As well, I am community minded. I was a member of the Board of Directors for Arts Hamilton for 6 years and was an appointed member of the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Committee for 8 years and the Heritage Permit Review Sub-Committee for same length of time and its Chair for four years.
I have been a board member and fundraiser for the Arts Awareness Committee, and Theatre Terra Nova, a professional theatre company originally located in what is now the Playhouse Cinema on Sherman North.