Michael Ginther’s most important and favorite role is as Papa to Kel(aka Emma) and Audy.  He and his husband adopted the kids at birth 14 and 11 years ago.  They are amazing kids who are constantly surprising and delighting their parents.  Michael retired when Kel was born and became a full-time dad and homemaker.  Before that he worked as a staff attorney for the First District Appellate Project, primarily advising court appointed attorneys in indigent criminal appeals.  He also taught for 10 years at the New College of California School of Law.  He has volunteered with many San Francisco community groups including ACT UP, Men Overcoming Violence (MOVE), On Your Feet Foundation (OYFF) and 826 Valencia.

Michael has been married for 20 years (well, committed, then legally committed and finally married) to Jim O’Donnell, who recently retired after 35 years as a pediatrician and hospital administrator.  Their family has been involved with Our Family Coalition since Kel was a baby. The OFC parenting group Mamas and Papas was their go-to place for support and advice when their kids were young and people they met in that group are some of their closest family friends to this day.  They have participated in many OFC activities over the years, from Michael’s stint on the board of directors to participation in a class on parenting tweens and teens. He is honored and proud to support Our Family Coalition as a board member emeritus.