Matt’s undergraduate studies focused on environmental science and zoology, and eventually led him to pursue a Masters of Environmental Education at Hamline University, which he will complete this spring. Over the past five years, he has had experience developing curriculum and leading environmental education programs with students ranging from preschool through high school. In addition, his work as a behavioral specialist helped him understand the importance of helping students identify and meet their needs, which is crucial to the adolescent period of development when needs are frequently shifting.
Matt lives in Como Park with his wife Elizabeth, a Branch Librarian in the Anoka Public Library System. Her specialty is children’s literature and she often supports Matt in finding new and exciting ways to incorporate literacy into his programs. They have one child, John, who was born in December 2018, as well as Marshall, the American Eskimo Dog.
When he is not teaching, Matt is heavily involved in the lacrosse community in Minnesota as an official. He officiates all the way from U8 youth through the NCAA level, and is currently the youngest college-level official in the state. Matt also stays active playing both soccer and hockey regularly as well as playing his guitar.