Matthew Bissell

Matthew Bissell has spent much of his life developing experience through consistent effort, varied work, and a strong sense of responsibility toward both his family and the people he serves. Born in Oakland, California, in 1973, he has pursued a flexible, persistent career across several fields, including financial consulting, social support, and hands-on service roles. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pitzer College and international academic study at the University of Sussex. Alongside his career, he is a father of two who values family involvement and long-term personal balance. Matthew was born on November 20, 1973, at Oakland Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. He is the son of Peter and Nancy Bissell. His father worked for multiple decades in the Bay Area as a longshoreman and was a proud member of the ILWU. His mother built a career that combined education and entrepreneurship, beginning as a Special Education Teacher and later owning and operating a local clothing store. He grew up with one sister in a household shaped by routine, accountability, and mutual support. During his childhood, he spent much of his free time with friends and participating in organized youth sports. Growing up in the Bay Area allowed him to play football, baseball, and soccer year-round, which helped instill teamwork and discipline from an early age. From 1991 to 1995, Matthew attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While completing his degree, he was also a student-athlete, playing baseball and football for the Pomona/Pitzer combined teams. In 1994, he earned First Team All-SCIAC honors in football, contributing as a defensive end, punter, and place kicker. Managing academic responsibilities alongside athletics required time management, focus, and consistency. That same year, he studied abroad at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. During this semester, he traveled through Europe, Africa, and Asia, visiting Spain, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Germany, and the Netherlands. These experiences exposed him to different cultures and perspectives. After completing his undergraduate studies, he continued his education with additional coursework at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. Matthew’s professional experience spans a wide range of industries. Early roles in apparel sales helped him develop customer service and communication skills. He also worked as a gardener and landscaper, a waiter, a truck driver trainer, and a FedEx and UPS delivery driver. Over time, he expanded into positions such as travel agent, caregiver, and social worker. Each role required adaptability, organization, and problem-solving, whether coordinating logistics or supporting individuals with daily needs. In more recent years, Matthew focused on community-based support. From October 2023 to December 2024, he served as a Water-Based Rehousing Stabilization Specialist for Episcopal Community Services in San Francisco, visiting clients on Richardson Bay twice weekly to provide supplies, guidance, and advocacy. In December 2024, he began working as an In-Home Support Specialist with In-Home Support Services in Oakland, California, assisting clients with daily living needs while maintaining communication with family members. In July 2025, Matthew Bissell transitioned into financial consulting with The Broker Group in Richmond, California. He continues to approach his work and personal life with a steady focus on balance, reliability, and long-term responsibility.