Michael Bray, MA, Ed.S.

Tell us about your role and how long you've worked at MI-DDI.

I am the Associate Director for Dissemination and Technology at MI-DDI. I am also the Training Director for the MI-LEND Program. I started at MI-DDI as a Graduate Student Assistant in 2003. After being hired as a full-time Research Assistant in 2004, I worked at MI-DDI until the end of 2014. I took an Institutional Research Analyst position with Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan for a couple of years, but I missed working in the disabilities field and had the opportunity to return to MI-DDI in 2017. I have been here ever since!

Is there anything or anyone who led you to work in this field? Tell us about it.

I always had the sense that I wanted to make a difference in whatever work I did. I grew up with my cousin Mason who has Autism, and he definitely opened my eyes to many things. One of these was that individuals in his position were not afforded the rights that others without disabilities typically enjoy. That experience planted a seed that really took root years later when I started working with MI-DDI and truly saw how the Institute's work made such positive impacts in the lives of so many.

Tell us about your education and professional affiliations.

I completed my Bachelors degree in Psychology at Northern Michigan University in 1999. I later earned a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology and an Education Specialist Graduate Certificate (Instructional Design) at Wayne State University. I have been part of different state and national workgroups and currently take part in the Persons with Disabilities workgroup through AUCD and the national LEND Training Program.

What project(s), program(s), and/or research are you currently focused on?

The main program I am currently working on is the Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (MI-LEND) Program. MI-LEND is a statewide training program for emerging leaders in healthcare and disability-related fields. I'm also in the process of wrapping up a statewide project examining the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on individuals with disabilities and family members in Michigan.

What experiences have you learned an important lesson from?

One of the most important lessons I've learned as a professional is to listen. Too many times I've found myself thinking of what I will say or do next when someone is speaking, only to realize I didn't hear what that person had to say. I think listening more and speaking less is a valuable skill that all professionals need to master.

What is your favorite part about working at MI-DDI?

My favorite part of working at MI-DDI is the culture and the people. Everyone is so positive and willing to pitch-in whenever needed. It is a rare quality these days!

What is your superpower?

I have been working on mindfulness and meditation for a few years now. I guess my superpower would be the ability to slow down and manage situations that might be very stressful for some people.

What do you enjoy to do in your spare time?

I enjoy kayaking, hunting, fishing, and playing music. I also enjoy brewing (and tasting) beer.

Tell us about your most rewarding experience in the past year.

My most rewarding experience in the past year has been spending more time with my wife and daughters. Slowing life down some has reminded me of what things are truly important.

Do you have a hidden talent skill or hobby? What is it?

My favorite hobby is collecting records. I have been collecting since I was a teenager and currently have a few thousand records.