• B.S. Secondary Education – History – Peru State College – Peru, NE
• M.Ed. Special Education – Behavior Disorders – University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE
• Ph.D. Special Education – Specializing in Autism and Behavior Disorders – University of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE

Favorite Quote: 
"I understand that it is our mission to save the world – a magnificent obsession of loving and caring for ourselves and others – especially children - for in them is our greatest hope."  ~ Bob Furman, Camp director – Excerpt from Oath of the Knights of Kitaki

Dr. Matt McNiff has been a member of the ESU staff since 2006.  From 2006 until 2016, Dr. McNiff was the behavior consultant for ESU 5. In 2016, he became the director of special education and served in that role until 2024 when he returned to his role as a behavior consultant. As a behavior consultant, Dr. McNiff works with staff and administrators in the ESU 5 schools to develop interventions and programming for students experiencing behavior problems and challenging behaviors.  Dr. McNiff has a particular interest in collaborating with teams to develop school-wide behavioral systems, engagement strategies, and behavior intervention planning. Dr. McNiff is active in many state and national organizations to help advance the advocacy of children with disabilities.  

When not working, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, writing, watching movies, and seeing good theater productions. 

Ideation | Input | Empathy | Communication | Adaptability