Michael Goodman, DrPH, MPH, MDiv, is dedicated to equipping communities to lead their own flourishing through applied social epidemiology, community innovation, and a deep understanding of human behavior. His work bridges global health and community development, particularly in complex, under-resourced settings where he champions evidence-based, community-driven approaches. Michael is the architect of the Flourishing Community Model (FCM), a socio-ecological framework for sustainable transformation implemented from rural Kenya to urban Texas.
Grounded in over 15 years of field experience in Sub-Saharan Africa and a commitment to participatory research, Michael's expertise encompasses mental health, implementation science, trauma-informed care, child reintegration, and climate adaptation. He utilizes mixed methods to ensure local voices are central to research, intervention, and policy. His publications focus on food insecurity, structural violence, community resilience, and the social determinants of health. He is also pioneering digital tools like CHIRP, Community Microphone, and VitalityHub to deliver real-time social, emotional, and clinical support.
At heart, Michael is a systems thinker with a pastoral sensibility, drawn to complexity and attuned to the human stories behind the data. From curriculum design to academic writing and public health innovation, his aim is to empower communities to flourish.
Affiliations
- International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
- Sodzo International
- Flourish