Since 2014, Mike Davis, a Mountain Park Desktop Support Specialist, has been spreading his warmth throughout our clinics. Known for his big heart and big personality, you can’t miss it when “Big Mike” walks into a room. His smile and kindness are contagious.

Originally from Chicago, Mike moved to Arizona in 2008 with his wife Vela and son Markell. They wanted to get away from the dreaded cold winters.

“Family Is My Everything”
Mike and Vela met in high school over 20 years ago and finally tied the knot in 2008. The family loves spending time together, watching football, barbequing and traveling to beach destinations. Eventually Mike hopes to visit Puerto Rico and Jamaica.

“The best day of my life was when my son was born,” he said. “And my wife, she makes me proud every day because of everything she has accomplished.”

Vela is an award-winning hair salon owner. She has not only been published in multiple hair magazines, but she’s also responsible for Mike’s awesome hair that many are jealous of.

Mike comes from a family of five, and although most of his siblings still live in Chicago, he remains close to them all. Mike’s father was a very influential part of his life as a child. Growing up without a mom for most of his life was hard, but Mike’s dad embraced the role of single dad.

“Based on public perception of men usually running away from responsibility, my dad did the opposite,” Mike said. “He raised me, showed me the values of working hard and taught me a lot of life lessons that I still apply today.”

From Football to IT
As a kid, Mike lived and breathed football. He played all through high school and college as a defense outside linebacker. And of course, being from Chicago, during football season he cheers for the Bears.

Working in IT allows Mike to work with his hands and help people by solving problems through technology.

Mike grew up as an inner city child, and relates to our patients who might need a little extra help. He also enjoys giving his time as a volunteer in the community. Recently Mike joined our Diversity Site Council where he will be contributing his perspective and ideas on how Mountain Park can be a more inclusive place for both patients and employees.

“When you grow up in the inner city, you’re not afforded the same opportunities that everyone else in more affluent areas is,” he said. “I knew that growing up you had to work a little harder to succeed. If you work hard and go after what you want, no matter what society statistics show, you can be whoever you want to be.”

Mike has always shown his son that sky’s the limit and hopes that he can be as influential on Markell as his dad was on him.

“I got my master’s degree in information systems a little bit later in life because I wanted to show my son that he can do anything in life if he wants it,” he said. “I think that if you show kids what’s attainable it will stick more with them than just telling them about it. They will be able to see you striving and working hard to reach goals. Whatever you decide to do in life, do it with your whole heart and always stay humble.”

For more information, please email info@mphc-az.org