{"id":100,"date":"2026-10-19T12:38:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T12:38:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/?page_id=100"},"modified":"2026-10-19T12:38:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T12:38:40","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/?page_id=100","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\"><link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Belleza&#038;family=Source+Sans+Pro:ital,wght@0,400;0,600;0,700;1,400&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n.mm-page{--mm-purple:#6A3DB8;--mm-navy:#1F1D3D;--mm-sage:#AEBFA8;--mm-bg:#FAF7FD;background:var(--mm-bg);color:var(--mm-navy);font-family:'Source Sans Pro',system-ui,sans-serif;font-size:18px;line-height:1.65;padding-bottom:1px}\n.mm-page h1,.mm-page h2,.mm-page h3,.mm-page h4{font-family:'Belleza',Georgia,serif;color:var(--mm-navy);font-weight:400;line-height:1.25;margin:1.4em 0 .5em}\n.mm-page h1{font-size:clamp(2.1rem,4.5vw,3.2rem)}.mm-page h2{font-size:clamp(1.6rem,3vw,2.2rem)}.mm-page h3{font-size:1.35rem}\n.mm-page a{color:var(--mm-purple)}\n.mm-page .mm-section{max-width:960px;margin:0 auto;padding:48px 24px}\n.mm-page .mm-narrow{max-width:760px}\n.mm-page .mm-hero{background:var(--mm-purple);color:#fff;text-align:center;padding:72px 24px;margin:0}\n.mm-page .mm-hero h1,.mm-page .mm-hero h2,.mm-page .mm-hero p{color:#fff;max-width:820px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}\n.mm-page .mm-hero h1{margin-top:.2em}\n.mm-page .mm-eyebrow{letter-spacing:.14em;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:.85rem;font-weight:600;opacity:.9}\n.mm-page .mm-hero .wp-block-buttons{justify-content:center}\n.mm-page .wp-block-button__link{background:#fff;color:var(--mm-navy);border:1.5px solid var(--mm-navy);border-radius:999px;padding:.6em 1.6em;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none}\n.mm-page .mm-hero .wp-block-button__link{border-color:#fff}\n.mm-page .wp-block-button__link:hover{background:var(--mm-sage)}\n.mm-page .mm-two{align-items:center;gap:48px}\n.mm-page .mm-two.mm-flip{flex-direction:row-reverse}\n.mm-page .mm-two img{border-radius:12px;width:100%;height:auto}\n.mm-page .mm-books{gap:32px}.mm-page .mm-books img{max-width:220px;height:auto;margin:0 auto;display:block;box-shadow:0 8px 24px rgba(31,29,61,.18)}\n.mm-page .mm-band{background:#fff;border-top:4px solid var(--mm-sage)}\n.mm-page .mm-sage{background:var(--mm-sage)}\n.mm-page .mm-card{background:#fff;border-left:4px solid var(--mm-sage);border-radius:8px;padding:8px 24px;margin:16px 0}\n.mm-page .mm-placeholder{border:2px dashed var(--mm-purple);background:#fff;color:var(--mm-purple);padding:20px;text-align:center;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600}\n.mm-page .mm-hero .mm-placeholder{background:rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#fff;border-color:#fff;max-width:640px;margin:24px auto 0}\n.mm-page .mm-episode img{border-radius:10px;max-width:100%;height:auto}\n.mm-page .mm-footer{background:var(--mm-navy);color:#fff;text-align:center;padding:40px 24px}\n.mm-page .mm-footer a,.mm-page .mm-footer p{color:#fff}.mm-page .mm-footer .wp-block-button__link{color:var(--mm-navy);border-color:#fff}\n.mm-page .mm-footer .wp-block-buttons{justify-content:center}\n.mm-page .wp-block-separator{border-color:var(--mm-sage);margin:48px auto}\n@media(max-width:781px){.mm-page .mm-two.mm-flip{flex-direction:column}}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull mm-page\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull mm-hero\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"mm-eyebrow wp-block-paragraph\">AUTHOR \u00b7 SPEAKER \u00b7 SYSTEMS ADVOCATE<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the system fails families, someone has to say why.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">30+ years inside legal, mental-health, hospital, caregiving, and community systems\u2014turning hard-earned experience into clearer action for families and professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/about\">Meet Michael<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Michael Mackniak Welcomes you to his website and talks about Care Coalition\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_OpCFRk1eAM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mm-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mm-two is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1an6hb2j63rg7.cloudfront.net\/a3888e23_f445_4811_b6d2_fec9704eaec0_6e2fa7e845.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/about\">About Michael Mackniak, J.D.<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Michael has spent more than 30 years working where legal systems, mental-health services, hospitals, families, and community care collide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He has seen what happens when every part completes its own task but no one takes responsibility for the whole person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three published books. A Top 50 U.S. Mental Health podcast. More than 25 Podcast Action Companions. Two 2026 awards. Michael created the Guardian Model\u2122 to bring s\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/about\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mm-section\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns mm-books is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/saving-melissa-the-7cs-to-cure-the-mental-health-system-michael-mackniak\/B01HSKB1HK\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1an6hb2j63rg7.cloudfront.net\/7124_Wg_N_Iwl_L_SL_1500_f852713263.jpg\" alt=\"Saving Melissa: The 7Cs to Cure the Mental Health System\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/saving-melissa-the-7cs-to-cure-the-mental-health-system-michael-mackniak\/B01HSKB1HK\">Saving Melissa: The 7Cs to Cure the Mental Health System<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/saving-melissa-the-7cs-to-cure-the-mental-health-system-michael-mackniak\/B01HSKB1HK\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this much-anticipated book, Attorney Michael Mackniak, co\u2013creator of the Guardian Model for the effective treatment of persons with mental illnesses, describes his parallel struggles with Melissa through the challenging world of mental health services. Mackniak, a young attorney, and his clie\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/character-become-the-person-your-social-media-friends-already-think-you-are-michael-mackniak-jd\/1790810612\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1an6hb2j63rg7.cloudfront.net\/8e835de5_0f1f_4178_b35a_589c98e9b304_11365588b8.jpeg\" alt=\"Character: Become The Person Your Social Media Friends Already Think You Are\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/character-become-the-person-your-social-media-friends-already-think-you-are-michael-mackniak-jd\/1790810612\">Character: Become The Person Your Social Media Friends Already Think You Are<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/character-become-the-person-your-social-media-friends-already-think-you-are-michael-mackniak-jd\/1790810612\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Success is within your reach. Do you have the Character to do what it takes to get there? We all have an innate understanding of what it is that we like about other people and what we wish to see in ourselves. The degree to which we are amiable, centered, competent, and a leader of others is a b\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/rethink-recovery-michael-w-mackniak\/9780997421415\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d1an6hb2j63rg7.cloudfront.net\/61n_Ogy_Gwhr_L_SY_466_ca60c391b1.jpg\" alt=\"Rethink Recovery\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/rethink-recovery-michael-w-mackniak\/9780997421415\">Rethink Recovery<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">Buy Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/books\/rethink-recovery-michael-w-mackniak\/9780997421415\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a notebook to be used by people in recovery or clinicians who are looking for interesting topics to discuss as recovery group leaders. Carrying this affirmation notebook physically or electronically will allow users to maintain vigilance over their recovery and to memorialize their strug\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mm-section mm-narrow mm-band\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get New Podcast Action Companions First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join the email list for early access to new four-page Podcast Action Companions, practical resources, community conversations, and direct updates from Michael before they are shared publicly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- FORM PLACEHOLDER: needs form plugin -->\n<div class=\"mm-placeholder\">[FORM PLACEHOLDER: needs form plugin] Email signup (original button: \u201cSign Up\u201d)<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mm-section mm-narrow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re working through a situation that needs to be understood clearly, whether for a talk, event, or conversation, I\u2019m glad to connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019m also open to podcast conversations, both as a guest and as a host, when the goal is to look at these issues with depth and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reach out below, and we\u2019ll take it from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- FORM PLACEHOLDER: needs form plugin -->\n<div class=\"mm-placeholder\">[FORM PLACEHOLDER: needs form plugin] Contact form \u2014 fields: Name, Email, Message; button: \u201cSubmit\u201d<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull mm-footer\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carecoalition_byguardian\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mmackniak1\">Facebook<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.holdingittogetherkinda.net\/\">Holding It Together (Kinda) Podcast<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@care.coalition\">TikTok<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goodreads.com\/author\/show\/15430446.Michael_Mackniak?from_search=true&amp;from_srp=true\">Goodreads<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/discord.gg\/2TCSdfNb\">Discord<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a9 Michael Mackniak, J.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/privacy\">Privacy Policy<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.org\/terms\">Terms of Service<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<nav class=\"is-responsive wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-1\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive wp-block-navigation\"><ul class=\"wp-block-page-list\"><li class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click\"><a class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item__link wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/?page_id=6\">Blog<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click menu-item-home\"><a class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item__link wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/\">Front Page<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click\"><a class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item__link wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/?page_id=100\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item wp-block-navigation-item open-on-hover-click\"><a class=\"wp-block-pages-list__item__link wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/?page_id=2\">Sample Page<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AUTHOR \u00b7 SPEAKER \u00b7 SYSTEMS ADVOCATE When the system fails families, someone has to say why. 30+ years inside legal, mental-health, hospital, caregiving, and community systems\u2014turning hard-earned experience into clearer action for families and professionals. About Michael Mackniak, J.D. Michael has spent more than 30 years working where legal systems, mental-health services, hospitals, families, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-100","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=100"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/100\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelmackniak.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}