Matt grew up in Des Plaines and is a former member of the church's Pilgrim Fellowship. A graduate of Western Illinois University, he is a physical education teacher and coach at Hawthorn Junior high School in Vernon Hills.

Matt is studying to complete a graduate degree in 2008. He coaches club volleyball and is a Special Olympics certified aquatics coach.

He has chaperoned many PF events over the years including the PF service trip to the Duvall Home for the Handicapped and the canoe trip to the Boundary Waters.