Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Matt developed an early connection to the outdoors during summers spent exploring the Midwest, Canada and Alaska. Those early experiences built a lasting interest in wild places and travel.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and later completed graduate studies in outdoor education at the University of Edinburgh. While in Scotland, he led outdoor programs in the Highlands, gaining experience in expedition leadership and environmental education.

Matt spent more than 25 years in fire and emergency medical services as a firefighter and paramedic, serving communities in Indiana, Oregon and California. Alongside his full-time career, he continued to work in the outdoor field—guiding college students on expeditions across the United States and teaching rock climbing and emergency medicine courses.

Now retired from the fire service, Matt works as a National Park Service–authorized guide and outfitter, leading trips in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Channel Islands, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Denali. He also teaches Wilderness Emergency Medicine and remains active in backcountry travel.

His travels span much of the U.S. as well as the Yukon, Central and South America and New Zealand. Based in the American West, Matt spends his time hiking, climbing and paddling. He also enjoys mountain biking, photography, canoeing, reading and time with his family.