This post is part of a 10 part blog series to celebrate ACE’s 5th birthday. We’ll be asking ACE staff members to answer 5 questions about their time with the organization, including their favorite stories and some surprise facts about themselves. We’ll profile a different staff member each day! 

ACE Staff Member: Matt Lappe

Position: Director of Education

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island with one other ACE staffer, who would it be (and why!)?

A: Reb [Anderson]. She makes the most amazing chocolate chip cookies. Of course the desert island would have to have a solar oven.

 Q: What’s the funniest (or strangest!) experience you’ve had at ACE?

A:Giving my first presentation ever to a classroom of kids on detention. Not a warm welcome.

Q: How did you first get involved with ACE?

A: On a Monday in November 2008 a friend introduced me to [ACE’s founder] Mike Haas. On Wednesday, I had a new job! Shortest ACE interview period in history.

Q: What’s the newspaper headline you’d like to read about ACE in 2020?

A: Climate Crisis Solved. ACE Becomes Team of Motivational Speakers

Q: What’s one thing your students and teachers don’t know about you?

A: I’ve had a number of strange hobbies over the years. Here are a few: Used to be a drum and bass DJ in college called The Alchemist; Was sponsored for 24 hours by a snowboard company called Shuv-It; Taught at a yoga retreat center headed by a monk who has held a vow of silence for the past 62 years.

Thanks, Matt! Tomorrow: We wrap up the series with a Q and A with Shana, ACE’s Education and Awareness Program Manager.