One of Extension's Rising Stars

Matthew Easterbrook

Sometimes, in the middle of all our plans, life happens.

That's what happened to Matthew Easterbrook, 39, a former counselor to federal felons in a penitentiary in Lompoc, California. A series of unfortunate incidents and accidents – including a knife assault by a suicidal inmate and exposure to hazardous chemicals that resulted in permanent damage to his lungs – forced Matthew into early retirement.

He had been a federal employee for more than 10 years. In 1997, Matthew found himself getting by on significantly less money and in the middle of a career and identity crisis.

"I had been with them (the federal government) since I was 23," recalled Matthew, who earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. "I didn't know what I was going to do."

With the assistance of a local congressman, Matthew was able to enlist in a federal workers' compensation vocational rehabilitation program. He took some tests and it was determined that he would make a great counselor in the field of alcohol and drugs. He was offered his choice of three schools, but in 1997, UCR Extension was the only school on the list that offered the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate Program.

Matthew signed up and with perseverance and single-minded determination, he earned certificates in Supervisory Education, Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Studies, Case Management and Counseling Skills. He said he found the instructors and administrative staff members supportive and helpful.

"The instructors were very personable," Matthew said. "If you had a problem, you could talk to them. What I really liked was the instructors had actual experience in the field. Their knowledge wasn't strictly from reading a book."

Matthew was also able to take advantage of an online class as part of earning his Case Management certificate.

"I thought it was a great thing," Matthew said. "If you know how to e-mail and write a paper in Microsoft Word, the online class is very easy."

By taking the online class, Matthew was able to avoid the freeway, get a cup of coffee in his own home and dress as comfortably as he pleased. He only needed to be at his computer at the requested time.

Today, Matthew counsels heroin addicts at a methadone clinic in Pomona. His job is interesting, challenging and rewarding.

"The bottom line is if you can help somebody, there is a lot of personal satisfaction," Matthew said.

Matthew didn't necessarily have a choice when it came time to consider a new career. But he did have the freedom to choose UCR Extension. We're glad he did.

This summer, we are excited to offer a new online Sexual Assault Examination Training Program in addition to our successful online Forensic Nursing program. We continue to offer certificates in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies and Case Management.

John F. Azzaretto
Vice Chancellor, Public Service and
International Programs; and
Dean, University Extension and
Summer Sessions, UC Riverside