Michael, High School Youth Leader, grew up going to Cascade Christian Church his whole life and joined the staff in 2020 when he moved back to Grand Rapids. After high school he attended Hope College, American University and the University of Illinois for graduate school (where he is finishing up his Ph.D. in Political Science). His parents Steve and Audrey Dirksen both attend Cascade, and his siblings Connor and Erika both attended here when they were growing up. Michael has worked at Hope College, Trinity Christian College, Elmhurst University, and most recently Calvin University. In what little free time he has, he enjoys fly fishing and hiking.