Michael La Pietra was born into an Italian family from Brooklyn, New York, with deep roots in the streets and culture of the city and organized crime. Growing up with a chip on his shoulder and a tough guy persona, Michael found himself in trouble from an early age, spending his teenage years fighting and rebelling against authority. In his twenties, he dropped out of college and immersed himself in the clubbing lifestyle along the Jersey Shore. After a serious car accident left him with a closed brain injury, he was prescribed pain medication, which ultimately led to a devastating addiction. For five years, Michael battled opioid addiction, watching his life spiral further out of control. In 2016, at his lowest point, he reached out to an old family friend from the neighborhood in Brooklyn, Frank Livoti, whose life had been transformed through Teen Challenge in the 1990s. Frank and the Teen Challenge team picked Michael up in Brooklyn and drove him to Long Island Adult & Teen Challenge. That decision became the turning point that changed his life forever.

Michael La Pietra entered Teen Challenge in 2016 and is a proud graduate of Long Island Adult & Teen Challenge. After graduating, he faithfully served on staff there for three years before transitioning to Crossroads Worship Center in Matawan, New Jersey. During his six years at Crossroads, Michael served in multiple leadership roles—including Youth Pastor, Young Adults Pastor, and Outreach Director—where he developed a deep passion for discipleship, leadership development, and community outreach. In 2024, Michael returned to the ministry that changed his life, joining the team at Brooklyn Adult & Teen Challenge, the original Teen Challenge center. He now serves as the Director of Rochester Adult & Teen Challenge, where he is committed to helping men find freedom from addiction, grow in their faith, and discover their God-given purpose. Michael is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and is passionate about raising up leaders who will impact their communities for Christ. Michael is also currently attending Valley Forge University, where he is pursuing a degree in Ministry Leadership to further equip himself for a lifetime of ministry and service.

Michael and his wife, Tyann, have been married for over three years. Together, they are raising their son, Luca, 1, and Michael’s son, Maddox, 15, in North Greece, New York. As a family, they are passionate about building community, serving Christ, and living out the mission to love God and love people. Their desire is to see lives transformed through the hope of the Gospel and the power of authentic relationships.