Michael Whiteside is a passionate mental health professional, dedicated to empowering others to see their potential as they live out their dreams. After obtaining his Master of Social Work, he served as the Intensive Outpatient Program Manager for the local inpatient psychiatric hospital where he served individuals struggling with suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations, and substance use addictions. Mr. Whiteside also created the mental health programming that the hospital still utilizes today to assist in the healing of those in this stated population.

He is currently pursuing his PhD in Clinical Social Work in the distance program as well as working as the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator and Mental Health Specialist for Indiana University Bloomington Counseling and Psychological Services. In this role, he works with students, especially African American students, to rebuild their sense of self, realize their internal power to live as their authentic self as they heal from traumas, disappointments, and cultural challenges associated with being a minority student as they face internal and external adversity. Michael also provides mental health and public health consulting with his wife through their consulting business, Reclaiming Royalty LLC.