Mike Messer
MICHAEL MESSER
12711 S.W. 77 Street
Miami, FL 33183
305-387-6761
Association For Retarded Citizens/South Florida
Hi all. Let's see... After graduation I attended the University of Miami where I eventually received a BA in Psychology. I managed to take a few years off in the process to participate in the US Navy which was an interesting experience. I was attached to a Vigilante Air Squadron and served about an aircraft carrier. Did get to travel and see interesting places, although the accommodations could have been better.
After college graduation I worked for Metropolitan Dade County initially as social worker in various departments and finished my government service as the Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator for the Dade-Miami Criminal Justice Council. During this time I attended Barry College (now Barry University) here in Miami and received a Master's of Social Work degree (MSW) followed by becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This license allowed me to do Individual, Family and Marriage Therapy for the County and privately.
A number of years ago, I left the County and went to work as the Executive Director of the Association For Retarded Citizens/South Florida here in Miami. We provide a variety of programs and services to individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and their families. It has proven to be an exciting, challenging and enjoyable job. Everyday seems like a new adventure and I am having a wonderful time.
I was divorced about three years ago and currently live alone. I have one daughter - age 23 who attended Florida State University and graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She teaches dance education in the public school system. No grandchildren as of this writing.
That's about all. Thanks to the reunion committee and "Chappie" for creating such a great vehicle for catching up with fellow graduates. In the past I was always disappointed to receive the class information book at the reunion and, after all the festivities were complete, finding out about what everyone was doing. I have had an opportunity to be in touch with "lost" friends before the reunion, like many of you. Graduation was 40 years ago! I knew some of you since elementary school. It is nice to be in touch.