HE/HIM
Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee
I have over 20 years experience as a classroom teacher in Appalachia. I grew up in East Tennessee way up in the northeast corner of the state near the borders of Virginia & North Carolina. I was born in Johnson City, a small, state university town, but was raised in a neighboring mountain county. Like most Appalachians, these mountains are my home. I reside in Johnson City, Tennessee, with my wife of 22 years and our 16-year-old daughter. My hobbies include reading, playing guitar, walking with my dogs and practicing yoga.
Why Matt got involved:
I very rarely see the concerns of our region or portrayals of life in our region in media and/or entertainment.
What he’d like to see happen during the first 100 days of the next presidential administration:
I hope in this pre-election period that my neighbors & countrymen will come to realize there is more that unites us than divides us.
Matt’s advice for journalists who want to cover Appalachia:
Don’t believe the historical caricature of this region. Like all stereotypes, it paints a picture, but not a complete one.
Reach out to Matt through this form: