Dr. Michael Bittner, Ph.D. blends western practicality, free spirit and authenticity in teaching, coaching, healing and leadership. As co-founder and principal of ZenSpot Institute, Bittner supports finding balance by living in sync with nature, caring for the body, feeding the mind and nurturing the soul.

Michael is an ordained Taoist Priest (Kong Chuyi) in the Dragon Gate lineage and a student of the Ni Family lineage of Taoism.  In addition, Michael is an Ayurvedic practitioner, yogi, spiritual coach, qigong teacher and Feng Shui designer. Bittner earned an Ayurvedic practitioner credential from the Vedansha Institute of Yoga and Vedic Science, a 400-hour Qigong certification from the Qigong and Daoist Training Center, a 500-hour yoga certification from Kripalu, a 200-hour yoga certification from the Barkan Method of Hot Yoga and graduate credentials in Feng Shui Interior Design and Interior Design from the Sheffield School of Interior Design. Michael has received advanced training in Acupressure from Dr. Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., herbology education from the Institute of Chinese Herbology and additional yoga schooling from Phoenix Rising and Yoga Fit.

Bittner possesses a Ph.D. and Master’s degrees in Social Science Education from the University of Washington with supporting areas of study in Urban Design and Planning and Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics. Bittner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Boise State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and received a Secondary Teaching Credential from the State of Idaho.

Michael is a certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation; an E-RYT with the Yoga Alliance; a Specialist in Yoga for Children; a Holistic Stress Management Coach through The Spencer Institute and a Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist through NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association) and a long-standing Water Safety Instructor with the American Red Cross.

Prior to ZenSpot, Bittner held academic and executive posts in teaching, research and administration in Washington, California and New York. He has also held elective office to the Graduate and Professional Student Senate at the University of Washington, the Ravenna Bryant Community Association and the City University Community Association Committee in Seattle.

Bittner has traveled to more than 48 countries on five continents. He supports animal rights, economic and social equity and environmental stewardship.