During his military career, he served in three branches—Marines, Army, and Navy—accumulating 25 years in active duty and reserve status. Matt also worked in the Des Moines Fire Department as a Firefighter/Paramedic for over 17 years. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior University in Albany, New York, and attained a Master of Arts in Teaching from Drake University in Des Moines. As an e
ducator in the military, his work included teaching soldiers in the Army Healthcare Specialist Program (Field Medic). He taught social sciences for two years in a high school setting and was the Education Coordinator & Life Skills Instructor in a correctional environment for DMACC. His intense personal journey, deep care for others, and passion for a healthy and balanced lifestyle motivated Matt to become a Massage Therapist. He views it as an opportunity to merge his extensive life and professional experience with the urge to explore ever-new heights and horizons. Matt credits Senior Chief Larry Tentinger EdD, a Navy reservist and health and fitness professor from the University of South Dakota, for mentorship in authentic lifelong learning and post-traumatic growth potential. Believing that life is about choices, Matt encourages everyone to make the best choices possible. His desire to help people achieve their goals and make the most of their mental and physical abilities has been a consistent theme throughout his years of teaching, mentoring, and leadership. A self-taught lapidary and silversmith and a dedicated amateur photographer of nature and wildlife, Matt also engages in many other activities, such as biking, weightlifting, and martial arts. Credentials:
• B.S. Social Science & Health Care Cum Laude
• M.A. Teaching (Secondary Education/World History)
• 900-Hour Massage Therapy Certification, LMT
• 20+ years as a Paramedic/EMT, Mentor, Leader, Advisor, Health Care Specialist, and Instructor within the Military, Fire Department, and/or College.
