Leadership

Matt's recovery journey began in 2011, going through traditional treatment in Minnesota. Matt then got enrolled in a halfway house program, and continued into sober living within his first year of sobriety.

 "For me, having that continuum of care available was everything for my security while still growing and learning in early recovery." 

Matt's professional experience includes advertising and sales, but Matt changed his career path towards helping with non-profit missions in 2017. Having previously served in multiple non-profits with missions surrounding recovery, homelessness, criminal rehabilitation, and domestic violence, Matt's passion has always been helping those affected by alcoholism and addiction.

Matt has been married to his wife Kelsey since 2021. He enjoys backpacking, the outdoors, and travel in his free time.

During the summer of 2019, I was attempting sobriety for the first (and hopefully last) time. I hoped to find recovery because my circumstances were bleak and I wanted change. I ended up finding the recovery community in Oshkosh, and found a new way to live life. They taught me that recovery didn't need to be boring or bleak - it was something that could transform and enhance my life.

As my recovery transformed, I found service to be a major component to grow my recovery platform. Service has been a great way to take my recovery to the next level, so I dive into it whenever possible. I love the mission and spirit of New Dawn Recovery Services - it parallels the experience I had in my recovery journey.

"I find that recovery is not for those who want it - its for those that put in the work and do it!"

Matt started his recovery journey in August of 2022, where he was a client at Nova Counseling Services in Oshkosh. Following his completion of the Nova program, Matt stayed in Oshkosh and became a resident of the Solutions Sober Living Program. After 5 months of being a resident of Sober Living, Matt was selected to become a House Manager for Solutions Sober Living. This was an obligation Matt would fulfill over the next 9 months. Life came full circle, as 7 months after he finished house managing Solutions offered him a job to be a Peer Recovery Specialist. Matt has a lot of gratitude towards being able to work in a field he is so passionate about; recovery.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys playing volleyball, disc golf, going to concerts, and hanging out with his friends. Most importantly, Matt has a deep appreciation for service work and volunteering. Something that was imprinted on him early on in his recovery, Matt looks for how he can contribute to life and his fellows. 

Allen grew up in Sheboygan, developing a strong foundation in community and sports. His passion for soccer led him to Ripon College, where he played competitively while honing teamwork and leadership skills. After college, Allen settled in the Oshkosh/Fox Valley area, where he has lived for 20 years, building connections and contributing to the local community. Recently, his dedication and experience caught the attention of Sean, a co-board member of New Dawn, who approached him about joining the organization’s board. With a deep understanding of the region and a commitment to service, Allen is poised to bring valuable insight and energy to New Dawn’s mission.

Allen’s motivation for joining New Dawn stems from deeply personal experiences. Having seen friends and family struggle with addiction, he understands the challenges and hardships that come with it. He firmly believes in second chances and the power of recovery, recognizing that everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives. His values align closely with New Dawn’s mission and approach, making him eager to contribute to their efforts in creating positive change for individuals seeking a fresh start. With his personal insights and commitment to the cause, Allen brings a compassionate perspective to the board.

Coming Soon!