Matthew has a unique window into the family work at Open Sky, having facilitated and supported the Family Services programming since 2013. Matthew has witnessed innumerable families repair relationships through the specialized experiences Open Sky offers. In his role as Admissions and Family Services Director, Matthew oversees Open Sky’s Family Services program and a team of family therapists as well as speaks with prospective families about whether Open Sky might be right for their child and family. Matthew believes in the robust, healing potential of humans reconnecting with nature, fostering self-empowerment, and moving through suffering via self-awareness and mindful living.

With ample vocational experience, including home healthcare, crisis work in hospitals, clinical research, residential treatment, hospice, outpatient group therapy, and wilderness therapy, Matthew is passionate about working with people. He brings an intentional, compassionate presence to the therapeutic alliance and operates from a belief in the inherent goodness in all people. Matthew values identifying each person’s strengths toward effecting change.

Raised in several parts of the country, including Wyoming, Louisiana, Texas, and Ohio, Matthew was imbued with a passion for all kinds of people. His aspiration to deeper appreciate the diversity of the common human experience called him to serve in the Peace Corps, where he volunteered as a community health educator in Eswatini, Africa. Matthew then returned to the United States to pursue a Master of Social Work and embrace his purpose in counseling. Working with all ages across the lifespan, he was reminded of the essentiality of family, community, and taking time to be present with one another and oneself.

Matthew cultivates personal peace through quietude in nature and enjoys all sorts of recreating outside, chopping wood, discovering new music, reading poetry, and family time. He especially enjoys painting with his sister.