Matt joined Pura Vida in December of 2023, bringing with him over a decade of experience in behavioral health program management, admissions, business development, and utilization review. He has dedicated his professional life to building up his community and helping those in need.

Driven by a deeply held commitment to service, Matt obtained his BA in Psychology from UC Davis, and went on to achieve a Masters in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University, SF Bay Area. Over his career, Matt has worked as a tutor and classroom aide for children with autism and managed the youth program for a bustling network of homeless shelters in Marin County; however, it was the time he spent with the Santa Rosa Police Department that would have the biggest impact on his career trajectory.

As a Police Officer, Matt gained a profound, first-hand perspective on the devastation caused by addiction and mental illness within his city, as well as the scarcity of resources and minefield of cultural, institutional, and financial obstacles the public faced in trying to get help. He also saw the trauma and stress his fellow first responders and public servants endured while trying to address this monumental need.

Compelled to tackle this insidious problem head-on, Matt made the decision to leave law enforcement and join the recovery field. In the nearly 10 years that have followed, Matt has personally helped thousands access treatment, including countless first responders and veterans, at one of the largest healthcare companies in the US. His goal remains the same today as it was back then: knocking down barriers to care and putting effective, high-quality treatment within reach of as many people as possible.

Matt chose to come to Pura Vida because, “The staff culture and patient community here are the embodiment of what recovery work should be: Tenaciously client-focused, tirelessly supportive, and unflinchingly committed to the belief that recovery isn’t just about being sober, it’s about finding joy and purpose in a new life.”