Meet Matt

Here’s a little bit about me:

Never for one moment did I ever think that I would be the kind of person who needed help.

I grew up in a conservative, middle-class home.  I went to private school and went to church on Sunday.  I believed that I had all the right answers and life was going to be great.  I was headed to college with big plans for the future.

It is amazing how one conversation can change your life.  Suddenly, I was lost in a tailspin that I never saw coming.  Sitting down with a licensed counselor played a vital role in how I found my way to a better life.

Never for one moment did I ever think that I would be the kind of person who needed help.

Now, nearly two decades later, I have been able to help other people the way I was helped.  Since 1999, I have helped people as a pastor. I have been able to help people find their way through painful losses, messy divorces, crippling shame, and spiritual doubts.  I have also been able to help people begin healthy marriages and welcome new children into their lives.

But as a pastor, I was always limited in how I could help people.  In 2016, I began my journey as a Professional Counselor. In 2017, I began serving Mercy Health Partners as a chaplain.  Now, in 2018, I began seeing clients in private practice in Muskegon.

It is amazing how one conversation can change your life.

While new jobs have been added, my role is the same.  I help people find their way.

Some of my training, experience, and competence are listed below:

Current Professional Experience

• Psychotherapist in Private Practice, since 2018
• Adjunct Professor of Psychology at North Point Bible College, since 2017
• Chaplain at Mercy and Hackley Hospitals in Muskegon,

Previous Work Experience

• Pastor of Evanston Avenue Baptist Church, 2014-18
• Master’s Level Psychotherapy Intern at Beacon of Hope
• Youth Pastor (16+ years)
• Security Contractor in executive protection, event security, loss prevention, and investigations
• Insurance Representative
• Welder
• Cook in a BBQ restaurant.

Education:

• Master of Arts in Counseling, Cornerstone University, 2018.  Graduated Magna Cum Laude
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Trinity International University, 2016
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Dordt College, 1999.

Professional Organizations

• American Counseling Association (Member since 2016)
• American Association of Pastoral Counselors  (Member since 2018)