Michael Purinton is a native Floridian, born and raised in Bradenton, Florida. While in Bradenton, he attended and graduated from Manatee Community College. At Manatee, he ran track and was honored as an
All-American sprinter. Mike then earned a track scholarship to the University of South Carolina where he obtained both his Bachelors Degree and his Masters Degree in Education. His Ph.D. is in Counselor Education from Florida State University where he was awarded a teaching fellowship. He is the author of Winning With Kids - The Self Esteem Book, Purely Fun: The Humor Book, and Purely Fun: The Joke Book,

During his career, Mike has worked in all phases of education including teaching, counseling and administration. He has taught at six (6) different universities and three (3) colleges. For fifteen years he served as the Director of Instruction for the North East Florida Educational Consortium. Presently he is the Vice President for Workforce Development at Saint Johns River Community College in Palatka, Florida. Prior to becoming Vice President, Mike served as the Director of Tech Prep and as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Saint Johns.

Mike is actively involved in community service. He is a member of All Saints Anglican Church where he has served as a Lay Reader and member of the Vestry Board.

Mike is co-chairman on the Fund Raising committee for Haven Hospice in Palatka and his team raised the funds needed to build the Roberts Care Center. For many years, he served as the Putnam County United Way Board of Directors. He has also volunteered as a coach through the county recreation department.

Mike is a member and past President of the Palatka Sunrise Rotary Club. While President, he helped establish his clubs disaster response team. Following Hurricane Katrina, the Disaster Response Team went to Moss Point Mississippi, and over a two week period served over 21,000 hot meals to hurricane victims. Mike has also served with the Disaster Response Team in Central Florida providing tornado relief.

Mike is happily married to Shann and they have a son, Jeff, and a daughter, Suzie.

Mike has conducted numerous workshops throughout the United States and Canada. His training programs include: Building Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Team Building, Customer Service, and the Positive Power of Humor. He also provides keynote addresses and luncheon talks on these topics.

Should you be interested in obtaining Mike’s service, he can be reached at 386-325-9585. His mailing address is 121 Peniel Church Road, Palatka, Florida 32177. His e-mail address is mpurinton@purelyfun.com.