Dr. Matthew J. Bowerman

Montgomery County Public Schools

Dr. Matthew J. Bowerman is a school administrator, researcher, nationally published author, and trauma responsive education specialist. With close to thirty years in education, Matthew’s background in K-16 educational spaces has allowed him to focus his work and research on trauma informed, healing-centered environments where all staff and students can thrive. A former community college student in mutliple schools in Maryland, Matthew is the receipient of an Emmy Award, as well as a Cine Golden Eagle Award in writing, for the educational short film, “BusSTOP,” addressing the bullying crisis in the United States. His book, Heartleader: A Trauma Responsive Approach to Teaching, Leading, and Building Community has been spreading love and learning to teachers, administrators, and families nationwide, and he continues to publish nationally, appearing with Edutopia, NEA, NAESP, AMLE, United States Army, and Teach Better. Previously, Dr. Bowerman also lived another life as a professional actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and has performed nationally and internationally appearing Off-Broadway, in television and film. He holds a Bachelors in Theatre from Towson University, a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Masters in Educational Leadership with a focus in Arts Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and a Doctorate in Trauma Responsive Education from Bowie State University where he is also a professor.

“Where Momentum Begins”

“Where Momentum Begins” challenges community college STEM students to recognize the extraordinary importance of where they stand today. Dr. Bowerman's storytelling to these young leader reveals a simple but transformative truth: many of the most consequential decisions shaping their career and educational advancement began in a community college. What once seemed like ordinary moments became the foundation for long-term growth, opportunity, and purpose. This keynote reframes success in STEM, emphasizing that it is not built on certainty or perfection, but on persistence, engagement, and the courage to continue...the students are encouraged to understand that momentum—not innate brilliance—is the force that shapes futures. By choosing to act, to pursue research, and to step forward despite uncertainty, students begin to redefine what is possible for themselves. Dr. Bowerman's call to be curious, to imagine, to create, to fall, climb and dare again and again highlights undergraduate research as a critical turning point, where students move from absorbing knowledge to creating it. It also affirms the courage, resilience, discipline, and determination forged through the community college experience. Community college then, is not merely a step, it is the jumping off beginning of momentum.