Michael Sanchez
Credentials: Ed-GRS and WCER Fellow

Michael A.R. Sanchez, M.S. is a Doctoral Candidate (Dissertator) in Counseling Psychology and WCER Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to pursuing his PhD, Michael spent 6.5 years working in the San Francisco tech industry as a Corporate Recruiter at Airbnb after receiving an undergraduate degree in East Asian Studies (Chinese) from Stanford University.
Michael’s research focuses on the psychology of work and fostering inclusive, psychologically minded workplaces for people of all backgrounds. He is passionate about applying research to facilitate real world change. As a PhD Intern at Gilead Sciences within the Global Commercial Learning & Development – Learning Strategy & Effectiveness organization, Michael developed a change management strategy that centralized psychological safety to empower and bolster the effectiveness of Gilead’s Global Commercial organization.
As a Clinical-Counseling Psychologist, Michael provides 1:1 psychotherapy to individuals ages 10-75. He specializes in stimulating behavioral change through motivational interviewing to coach clients to move from ambivalence to a state of intentional action. He has particular strength and interest in working with clients who are resistant to change.
Publications:
Thompson, M., Her, P., Sanchez, M., & Keita, N., (2025). Building Skills to Foster Radical Healing in Career Wellness Interventions. Workshop to be presented at the 2025 Biennial Society for Vocational Psychology Conference. University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Thompson, M., Her, P., Sanchez, M., & Keita, N. (2025). Program Development & Evaluation of the Tune in to Strive Out Career Wellness Program for Underrepresented College Students. Symposium to be presented at the 2025 Biennial Society for Vocational Psychology Conference. University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sanchez, M. (2025). Proactive Personality and Classism within the Psychology of Working Theory Among U.S. College Students. Poster to be presented at the 2025 Biennial Society for Vocational Psychology Conference. University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sanchez, M. & Thompson, M. (2025). Employer Reflections on Recruiting, Selecting, Training, & Evaluating Student Interns from Minority-Serving Institutions. Poster to be presented at the 2025 Biennial Society for Vocational Psychology Conference. University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Thompson, M., Her, P., Sanchez, M., & Keita, N. (2024). Identifying our Values & Believing we Belong: An experiential introduction to the Tune in to Strive Out Career Wellness Program. Symposium presented at the 2024 Center for College-Workforce Transitions Conference, Madison, WI.
Workshops
Sanchez, M. (2024). Creating a Culture of Co-Creation with Local Affiliates: Workshop Design & Facilitation. Presentation delivered at Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA.
Sanchez, M. (2024). Creating a Culture of Co-Collaboration with Local Affiliates (2024). Workshop developed and facilitated for Gilead Sciences Commercial Learning & Development (GCL&D) organization, Foster City, CA.
Research Projects
Sanchez, M. (2024). Developing a Growth Mindset Related to Professional Networking. Toolkit #1, Networks & Cultural Assets Project, Center for College-Workforce Transitions.
Sanchez, M. (2024). Mapping Your Professional Network. Toolkit #2, Networks & Cultural Assets Project, Center for College-Workforce Transitions
Sanchez, M. (2024). Strategies to Build, Maintain, & Leverage Your Professional Network. Toolkit #3, Networks & Cultural Assets Project, Center for College-Workforce Transitions
Sanchez, M. (2024). Center for College-Workforce Transitions (CCWT) Intern Guide: Building the mindset and professional development resources to grow your career. Work-based & Experiential Learning Labs (WELL) Project, Center for College-Workforce Transitions.
Sanchez, M. (2024). Cultural Awareness: Applying the CULTURE Framework. Psychoeducational toolkit developed for Gilead Sciences Global Commercial Learning & Development organization. https://tinyurl.com/325v64hy
Sanchez, M. (2024). Actively Facilitating Co-Creation: Applying the LISTEN Framework. Psychoeducational toolkit developed for Gilead Sciences Global Commercial Learning & Development organization. https://tinyurl.com/tm62vzfn
Activities & Committees
Summer 2024 Intern at Gilead Sciences in Global Commercial Learning & Development. Internship located in Foster City, CA. Dates: May 20, 2024 – August 9, 2024
Summer 2025 Intern at Gilead Sciences in Global Commercial Project Management & Strategic Planning located in Foster City, CA. Dates: May 19, 2025 – August 8, 2025
APA-Accredited Psychology Internship at Kaiser Permanente, East Bay Medical Center in Adult Psychiatry: August 25, 2025 – August 21, 2026