Children
Michael’s daughter Brittany was born in March of 1990 and in June of 1993 she was diagnosed with infantile autism. Brittany is non-verbal and graduated from Central High School in Brooksville, FL. Today Brittany works at the family owned and operated food manufacturing company, Mr. G’s Foods. When Brittany turned 21 she moved to Hope Estate, her home and small farm where she lives with support. Brittany enjoys walking her rescue miniature horses and completing chores around the farm where they grow eggplant.
Michael’s son, Michael Conner was born in September of 1998. Currently a in high school, Michael Conner attends Jesuit in Tampa, FL.
Career
While attending school and for a couple of years after Michael worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Newark, NJ. Upon leaving Michael joined a small accounting firm, Clyne Egan and Associates. Today, and for nearly two decades Michael has worked in the health care industry in various capacities. Michael’s company, Guarino Healthcare Management, is where Michael works as a consultant with physicians across the country. In addition, as the Administrator of Ambulatory Surgery Centers in New York and Florida Michael oversees the day-to-day operations of the centers. Michael is also the Executive Director of the IPA of Nassau/Suffolk Counties based in Long Island, New York. More recently Michael started Practice Management of America a Management Service Organization where Michael oversees all aspects of the operations as the President.
Philanthropy
Michael’s true passion lies in his faith and the time that he is able to spend giving back. For a number of years Michael has been afforded the opportunity to work with the youth of both St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Spring Hill, FL and more recently St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, FL. Michael enjoys participating in the St. Timothy Youth League directing youth nights, attending retreats, and summer camps.
For nearly 15 years Michael has also taught religious education to younger children, something he finds to be extremely rewarding. As a former Cub Scout leader who started a pack Michael feels at home when presenting to both grammar school and high school students.
Michael’s passion also extends to Autism Awareness where he has worked to raise funds for research. Over the years Michael has had the opportunity to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for autism awareness and research through golf tournaments.
Pilgrimages and Missions
By far the most memorable pilgrimage Michael has had the opportunity to experience was the Camino de Santiago with his daughter Brittany. For five weeks Brittany walked 500 miles starting in France and ending at Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Brittany’s walk for Autism Awareness was the trip of a lifetime as she touched so many she met along the way. Michael was blessed to be able to begin and end Brittany’s journey with her, returning to the United States briefly in between to satisfy work commitments. Michael’s travels have also taken him to Jerusalem on numerous occasions, the churches of revelation in Rome and Assisi, and Kolkata. Michael’s love of soccer also led him to do mission work in Kenya, Ghana, and Togo working to build soccer fields.
Professional Associations
Throughout the years Michael has had the opportunity to work with a number of organizations including: Legatus; Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Past Vice President and PAC Chairman; Florida Society of Ambulatory Surgery Centers Board Member and Past President; Autism Society of Florida Past President; Autism Society of America Past Treasurer.
Articles and Presentations
Michael has presented at various conferences and published articles for both the state and national associations. By far, his most memorable speaking experience was when Michael was asked to testify to the Congressional Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.