“It doesn’t cost much to care,” has become a motto of sorts for Matt Moncado at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. Moncado works with youth from across the state at the nonprofit ranch, often challenged to serve a population with intensive needs. Beyond the ranch, he’s worked as an adjunct professor for 12 years at Ozarks Technical Community College and demonstrated leadership via the Governor’s Task Force for Problem Youth with Sexual Behaviors, recommending early intervention with children under the age of 14. His efforts helped lead to the creation of Senate Bill 341, which already has identified over 650 cases where the state can help youth exhibiting unhealthy behaviors.
What was your first job? Chick-Fil-A and I still love that place. It’s where I met my wife and made friends that I still have to this day.
What about your job would shock clients? The things that people do to other people and the negative impact decisions can have on the lives of children. Also the words that I say on a daily basis that I never thought I would say at work let alone get paid to talk about.
What is your theme song? “Three Little Birds,” by Bob Marley when I am stressed. Anything by the Foo Fighters when I am angry or frustrated.
What did you learn the hard way? My wife and I paid a lot of what we have dubbed “stupid tax” with regard to finances and specifically getting into debt. At one point, a financial adviser asked us how we were making all of the payments each month, almost like he was suspicious of how we managed it all.
