Matt's Message:
“Young people need to feel empowered in their schools and communities.  It is not enough to ask them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, we need to show them there are positive things they can do for themselves and others.  They must all be leaders in their lives.”

"I admire Matt and consider him one of my role models because he is the real deal.  His love and passion for working with young people and conveying his message of drug-free leadership is unlike any you have ever seen...unless of course you have seen Matt, then it is exactly the same."
Kevin Wanzer, professional speaker

"C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S. makes Bucknell different from other schools."
The Insider's Guide to the Colleges 1998

Is there evidence that Matt's program works?
This is a complex question, but the short answer is yes. There is evidence in different forms that my program works. To learn more, click on the Natural Highs page of my site.

Printable Bio (pdf)>>

Who is Matt?
Matt is a multi-faceted individual with very unique talents rarely found in one person. He holds a Ph.D in clinical psychology, has a decade of speaking and stand-up comedy experience and has been involved in youth drug and alcohol prevention efforts since high school. But most importantly, Matt is a passionate speaker that presents his message with humor and audience interaction. Click to watch Matt's demo video.

How did Matt first get involved in prevention?
In 1989, as a sophomore at Montclair High School (Montclair, NJ), Matt attended the Teen Institute of the Garden State (T.I.G.S.). T.I.G.S. is a New Jersey high school prevention and leadership conference, and it was there Matt became interested in prevention efforts. In addition, he watched some of the best motivational speakers in the country inspire the T.I.G.S. students. When he returned home, he got involved in his local prevention group, organizing wellness activities. Matt soon returned to the T.I.G.S. as a counselor and remained a volunteer throughout his college years. Today, Matt still speaks every summer to New Jersey teens at the state's largest high school prevention conference, the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute. In fact, 2005 is Matt's tenth year as a keynote speaker.

Matt performing stand-up in a NYC club.

What is Matt's main message?
Young people need to feel empowered in their schools and communities.  It is not enough to ask them to stay away from drugs and alcohol, we need to show them there are positive things they can do for themselves and others.  They must all be leaders in their lives.

Matt & friends at the Fatal Awareness Conference, Pittsburgh, PA

How did he get involved in professional speaking?
The catalyst for the speaking was a drug and alcohol prevention group called C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S. (Creating A Lively Valuable Ingenious New Habit Of Being (at) Bucknell & Enjoying Sobriety), which Matt founded in 1993 at Bucknell University.   The group grew quickly and drew national praise.  According to Bucknell President William Adams, "Among (Mr. Bellace's) important contributions, none was more noticeable or consequential than the creation of the revolutionary student social and residential organization C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S."  Eventually local colleges and high schools took notice and sought Matt out to come speak to their students. Ten years and a few natural highs later, C.a.l.v.i.n. & H.o.b.b.e.s. celebrated its 13th year.

Matt performs at a theater in Connecticut

How often does Matt speak?
In 2007, Matt made over 250 public appearances, including 200 youth presentations and 50 comedy club shows. Please visit the calendar page and check out whether Matt is performing at a school or comedy club near you.

Vital Statistics:
1998-2005, Doctor of Philosophy, Drexel University, Clinical Psychology
1996-1998, Master of Science, Bucknell University, Biology
1992-1996, Bachelor of Science, Bucknell University, Major: Biology &Psychology