Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight: Meet Matt Herring

Each month in our Community Spotlight series, we highlight the extraordinary individuals who shape our supported employment program and enrich our community with their talent, passion, and purpose.

This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Matthew “Matt” Herring, a dynamic force of creativity and energy whose impact can be felt far and wide. In his current role in Program Development with our valued partner S.E.H. America, Matt plays a pivotal part in supporting over 42 individuals in meaningful employment opportunities.

Whether he's problem-solving with a team, developing innovative pathways for growth, or simply sharing a laugh with coworkers, Matt’s presence elevates the work we do and the people we do it for.

Here you will learn more about how Matt is helping redefine what supported employment can look like one connection at a time.

Community Spotlight with Matt Herring

Building Pathways, Empowering People

Each month, our Community Spotlight series highlights individuals who bring heart, innovation, and dedication to supported employment. This month, we’re excited to introduce Matthew “Matt” Herring, a passionate advocate and Program Developer with Employer’s Overload, currently supporting a thriving program at S.E.H. America one of Clark County’s largest employers, where over 40 individuals are supported in meaningful work on a campus of over 1,900 employees.

We sat down with Matt to learn more about his journey, his work, and what drives his deep commitment to inclusive employment.

Getting Started in Supported Employment

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you got started in supported employment?

Matt: I first became aware of supported employment in 2012 while serving on the board of a local nonprofit. Before that, I didn’t even know this field existed. But seeing the impact from a board perspective sparked a genuine interest in me. Today, I work as a Program Developer with Employer’s Overload, supporting a program at SEH America. It’s a unique position where I get to help design and maintain systems that support our employees in their work and growth.

Q: What inspired you to pursue work in this field?

Matt: The idea of “employment for all” resonated with me instantly. I was fortunate to step into a leadership role at the nonprofit, which gave me hands-on experience supporting individuals as they pursued employment. I always made time to engage directly with the people we served—that’s where the magic happens.

Work & Impact

Q: What does a typical day look like for you in supported employment?

Matt: No two days are the same. With over 40 individuals in our program, each day brings opportunities to teach, coach, mentor, support, and engage not just with the employees, but also with their natural support networks. Employment isn’t just about tasks; it often includes social growth. Watching people gain confidence and build relationships is one of the best parts of the job.

Q: Can you share a success story or moment that really stood out?

Matt: This past year, one of our employees retired from his second job after 20 years. He decided to step away from that role while continuing his primary employment. We held a small celebration at the restaurant on his last day. I invited a few team members and his family but I was blown away by the turnout. Customers, former coworkers, and supported employees. His pride was unmistakable. That day was a beautiful reminder of how deeply someone can impact their workplace and community.

Q: How do you help individuals overcome barriers to employment?

Matt: There are many barriers, some visible, some not. My approach is to be open to all applicants, create roles when possible, and support through coaching, modeling, and clear communication. Working closely with job developers and families to identify creative solutions.

Q: What strategies have you found most effective?

Matt: Being direct and clear in communication helps tremendously. I always encourage questions to make sure there's understanding. Open-ended questions also invite employees to be part of the solution. Building relationships with families is critical and when we all use the same language and expectations, we’re stronger together.

Collaboration & Community

Q: How do you work with employers to create inclusive workplaces?

Matt: Hiring someone with a developmental disability doesn’t automatically mean the workplace is inclusive. True inclusion means individuals are fully integrated into their teams. At SEH, for instance, our supported employees used to have separate monthly safety meetings. Now, we’re working to ensure they attend the same safety meetings as their departments because inclusion means everyone’s at the same table.

Q: What role does collaboration play in your work?

Matt: It’s everything. Collaborating with other service providers allows us to support the whole individual. Whether it’s connecting with residential support, families, or other agencies, we’re always looking for ways to align services. It’s also important that our IE (Individual Employment) and CI (Community Inclusion) services work in tandem, since they often overlap.

Challenges & Growth

Q: What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Matt: One major challenge is the ongoing stigma in society. We often work with natural supports to educate and build understanding. Another challenge is when families are less engaged. That’s why I make it a point to share the positives that families often only hear about behavioral issues, but there’s so much good happening. Sharing success stories helps build trust and strengthens the support system.

Q: How has this work shaped your personal or professional growth?

Matt: It’s changed the way I interact in all areas of my life. For example, I was recently working on a project with my nephews and started feeling frustrated. But I paused, shifted to a coaching mindset, and we talked about teamwork. That conversation turned the project around. This work reminds me daily that everyone brings something different to the table, and it’s our job to help them shine.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are your hopes for the future of supported employment?

Matt: My hope is simple: that anyone who wants to work, can. We need a louder voice in the community to share the successes we’re seeing. I also hope that funding for these services never becomes a question that we need people to understand that every human has value.

Q: If you could change one thing about the current employment landscape, what would it be?

Matt: I’d remove income limitations on Social Security and Medicare. And I’d invest in a stronger, more reliable transportation system that’s often one of the biggest barriers individuals face.

Personal Reflections

Q: What keeps you motivated?

Matt: It’s the people. Seeing someone go from “new hire” to “confident, independent employee” is incredibly fulfilling. Watching relationships form and social challenges ease over time is why I show up every day.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about supported employment?

Matt: Honestly, I just wish more people knew about supported employment. We’re doing important, life-changing work that everyone deserves more recognition.