Matt was born on an Air Force base in Victorville, CA. He moved to Manchester, IA at the age of four and lived there until graduating high school. He was raised in a Christian home and remembers knowing Jesus as His savior, but not living like Jesus was his Lord. That changed while studying Nursing at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids. He joined a small Bible study group on campus called “The Core,” where he met pastor Kurt, and began faithfully attending New Life Community Church. During that time, Matt’s relationship with Jesus went from being a casual acquaintance to “clinging to Him for dear life.” Christ brought Matt through many spiritual and emotional struggles using Renew Ministry.
Those experiences stoked in Matt a passion for helping Christians with their painful emotions. Matt was married to Jenna in 2014 and a few years later went through graduate school to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Matt and Jenna have four children. Matt splits his time between his private practice, Atlas Psychiatry, and directing Renew Ministry at New Life Community Church. He was recognized as a deacon in 2025 and is motivated to help Christians overcome spiritual and emotional strongholds, so they too can enjoy a richer and more real relationship with Jesus Christ.
Matt’s favorite verse is: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.