Meet The Team
Michael Wilson
Founder / Director, Lead Speaker
Michael H. "Mookie" Wilson is a highly sought-after motivational speaker, survivor, and advocate for resilience, positivity, and overcoming adversity. Following a catastrophic car accident in 2009, which left him with life-threatening injuries including the loss of an ear, severe nerve damage, and multiple fractures, Mookie defied all odds through sheer determination and an unbreakable spirit. His inspiring story of recovery, healing, and mental toughness resonates deeply with audiences seeking motivation, personal development, and transformational leadership. As a keynote speaker, Mookie Wilson specializes in delivering powerful talks on topics such as resilience after trauma, positive mindset coaching, overcoming setbacks, disability empowerment, and the psychology of hope. His presentations are perfect for corporate events, schools, healthcare organizations, and community groups looking to inspire confidence, perseverance, and teamwork in the face of extreme challenges. Mookie’s authentic and relatable style engages audiences with practical strategies for embracing change, building mental strength, and fostering a culture of support and encouragement. Through his motivational speaking services, Mookie also partners with businesses and nonprofits to promote wellness, diversity and inclusion, and mental health awareness. His website, Mookie’s Miracle, serves as a hub for resources on personal growth and empowerment for trauma survivors and individuals pursuing meaningful breakthroughs in their lives.
Denise Jacques
Clerk
Denise D. Jacques, Esq., is a Human Resources professional and Licensed Attorney with a diverse background in project management, logistics and operations, strategic culture building, corporate event production, mediation, workers’s compensation and employee relations. She is action and goal oriented; possessing strong communication, and performance management skills. Currently, Denise serves as the Sr. Human Resources Manager for Fox Corporation within the Culture, Belonging & Outreach department. In this position, she is honored to serve as a builder of internal and external relationships, as well as a driver of cultural programming and development, working across all FOX brands to foster a culture of belonging and awareness. Prior to her transition into Human Resources, Denise had a notable career as a Worker’s Compensation Defense Attorney and Corporate Event Producer. Denise holds a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, a Human Resources Management Certificate from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University. She also serves as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for non-profit Mookie’s Miracle, as well as the President-Elect for her local chapter of SHRM.
Andrew Lavoie
Treasurer
Andrew is a dedicated financial professional with over 18 years of experience, including 12 years on Wall Street in institutional trading. Throughout his career, he has developed direct experience in real estate, private equity, traditional finance, and angel investments, as well as company formation, development, and management. Growing up with limited resources, Andrew understands the importance of encouragement and resilience. He has dedicated his career to uplifting others, using his extensive experience in various specialties to guide individuals toward their aspirations. Today, Andrew is committed to fostering a positive environment where everyone can embrace their unique strengths and pursue their dreams. He believes in the power of supportive words and actions to inspire change within communities.
Michael Rubin
Board Member
Michael Rubin, the 2020 Massachusetts High School Principal of the Year, has spent a decade as Principal of Uxbridge High School, spearheading its designation as one of Massachusetts' first Innovation Pathway schools. His dedication to authentic learning and strong industry partnerships has earned the school national recognition, including being named among the top five schools for "Innovation Impact" at ASU/GSV in 2024 and an AI Innovator in 2025. He is also the Massachusetts State Coordinator for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and an MIAA District Representative to the Sports Medicine and Softball committees. Beyond his impactful educational leadership, Michael is deeply committed to his community. He has served on the Board of Advisors for the Brown University Hockey Association, volunteered with the Brown University Alumni Association, and coached in the Mendon-Upton Youth Soccer Association. He is also President of Temple Etz Chaim, a Reform Jewish congregation in Franklin, Massachusetts. Michael holds a Bachelor's Degree from Brown University, a Master's Degree from Bridgewater State University, and a doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands, complemented by a certificate from Harvard University's Graduate School of Business in leading effective change.
Chris Joaquim
Board Member
Dr. Christopher Joaquim has 27 years of experience working with teenagers, college students, adults, families, couples, and athletes. Dr. Joaquim studied industrial psychology and English literature as an undergraduate. He holds a master of science in counseling psychology and master of education in school counseling. Dr. Joaquim holds two doctoral degrees. They are in Human Services Administration and Educational Leadership. His research focused on the relationship between cognitive developmental stage and school age bullying. He also researched workplace bullying extensively. Dr. Joaquim designed the Student-Bully Problem, which identifies the stages that students reason about bullying. His research has been published in an APA peer reviewed journal, incorporated into a psychology course at Miami University, and cited in literature and books like “Bullying Prevention and Intervention at School: Integrating Theory and Research into Best Practices” (1st ed. 2018). Dr. Joaquim’s research has been presented internationally; including at universities and professional conferences in: Boston, Chicago, Canada, and Germany. One thing that distinguishes Dr. Joaquim from other therapists is the unique blend of expertise he brings to therapy sessions, consultations, organizations, teams, and collaborations. As a therapist , he has specialized in working with individual men, women, and teenagers. He also specializes in working with couples, athletes, students, executives and entrepreneurs. Dr. Joaquim has worked in education settings for over two decades, consulted with organizations for over a decade, and coached ice hockey for a decade. He provides sports psychotherapy to individuals at high levels, including division 1 college athletes, and professional athletes. While he works with athletes in a variety of sports, he is a CEP Level 4 USA Hockey coach who has coached AAA athletes from children to high school age. Dr. Joaquim also works with high level executives, entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, and writers. Dr. Joaquim says the common thread between all of his clients is cognitive, emotional, and relational experience. Dr. Joaquim strives to use cognitive behavioral strategies, positive psychology, and developmental psychology to improve his clients lives. He hopes to achieve this by helping clients increase positive thoughts, positive emotions, and positive relationships. Of course, this is only one focus. Decreasing negative thoughts, negative emotions, negative relationships and maladaptive behaviors as well as thoughts is the other focus.