Matthew has been a steward of the land since he was little. He grew up taking care of the land and water. Wise words that he tries to live by are, “if you take care of the land, it will take care of you.” Over the years, that saying has empowered him to find ways to protect the land and mentor the next generation.
Matthew has completed a farm train program through The New Mexico Acequia Association, learning community traditions and sustainable farm practices. He also has completed a one-year water fellowship through the National Young Farmers Coalition, where he worked on water protection and conservation. He helps with a young farmers’ seed collective, where they brainstorm ways to help the younger generation get what they need to be successful. He was also part of a student ambassador’s leadership program, where he gained ideas and techniques on how to be a better leader.
Matthew has a certification from the state of New Mexico to run compost facilities. He has a Master compost certification from the master gardener program. Matthew also obtained his OSHA certification. He has earned a certification in leadership and has obtained his food handlers certification. He is also part of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society and became an international honors scholar from Phi Theta Kappa. He has a certification in teaching Parenting the Positive Discipline Way and also has a certification in Reiki massage.
Matthew holds an associate in applied science in Sustainable Technology and is currently working on a bachelor’s in environmental science.
