MICHAEL RUNNINGWOLF

Michael Runningwolf is the Quahadi, Comanche author of the autobiography The Promise, and the coming of age young adult novel Akemi and the Heaven’s Gate. Michael attended Boise State University where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in History Secondary Education and Kinesiology. Upon graduation Michael worked as a high school history teacher and coach until his psychiatric challenges of Schizophrenia and PTSD forced him to leave the profession he loved.

While pursuing his recovery, Michael experienced first hand numerous hospitalizations,  incarceration, homelessness, loss of friends, disability and unemployment. While incarcerated in the psych ward of the Ada County Jail in Boise, Idaho and sitting in a court room, Michael made a promise to his Creator that if he were released he would devote his life to helping others with similar experiences hoping to somehow change the way the judicial system treats those with a diagnosis of a mental illness.

Michael was released and moved to Phoenix, Arizona to begin working on the promise he made. While struggling with his own recovery journey he found NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and they gave him hope, a place to volunteer and a place to start giving back. Soon Michael was giving presentations about recovery to colleges, police academies, hospitals, churches, prisons, and community organizations! Michael then became a Certified Peer Support Specialist to support people struggling with mental illness, substance use addiction, and life.

Michael presently travels the globe teaching Peer Support Certification classes for an international company, conducts presentations, writes books and takes part in radio and television interviews to share his story and give hope and inspiration to others.

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Michael stills struggles daily with his diagnosis and stigma, but continues to find new ways to fulfill that promise made many years ago. Coming soon look for the release of his third book Hello My Name is Awesome! a book about the power of validating strengths.

Michael presently lives in central Pennsylvania with his amazing, awesome and wonderful wife and daughter.