ABOUT MIKE

 

Michael Cormier is the driving force behind 3rd Circle, Inc.  

Mike has worked in the Mental Health field supporting an inclusive stigma-free all abilities community for over 25 years, starting out as a Direct support specialist and moving into management as well as leadership & administrative positions, all while continuing his formal education.  

 

Mike specialized in supporting families and working with people who presented challenges to caregivers, leveraging his background in human resources, mentoring, supervision, conflict resolution, and, most significantly creating a Culture of Gentleness. One thing that sets Mike apart from other supervisors and administrators is that he always maintains an active presence in the lives of those receiving support, a practice he continues to this day.

 

In 2016, Mike decided to strike out on his own to start 3rd Circle, Inc.,

in order to focus on the things most important to him: helping people of difference make connections, develop friendships (companions), and become part of their communities.

 

Mike has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the ARC of Oakland County’s Dove Award for Service Professional of the year, Innovative Lifestyles Impacting the Lives of Others Award, & most recently the Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Award with special United States Congressional recognition.

 

In his free time, Mike trains in Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts & volunteers with various groups that help to enhance the lives of those with differing abilities, such as a Creative Arts program & Special Olympics. Mike is also a Certified Master Mentor  as well as a First Responder & Instructor for the American Red-Cross.

 

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VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

 

Mike has a reputation for incredible dedication, tireless advocacy, and leadership in creating a Culture of Gentleness for each person he supports.  His beliefs include:

• A holistic and individualized approach to caregiving;

• Authoritarianism has no place in providing support to others;

• Choice and self-determination;

• An understanding that all people have talents and gifts to share;

• Egalitarianism and justice;

• The belief that behavior is communication, and that all people are worthy of unconditional regard and should be included in the life of the community; 

• The understanding that people need to feel safe & valued and have meaningful relationships before any learning or growth can occur; 

• The use of words, eyes, presence and gentle touch can uplift, encourage, and honor those who are vulnerable;

• The belief that if people feel safe and valued, they can then become loving toward others and engaged in their own lives, the lives of others, and in their community; and that

• The community benefits from the inclusion of people with different abilities as much as people with different abilities benefit from being included.