J.D.
Testimonials
Robert "Bobby" Chandler
Mariavill Mushroom Men
"In the fall of 2008, I found myself in a time of chaos. I was just out of a bad relationship, disillusioned about my current career path and failing out of pharmacology school, and spiraling out of control down a path of self-destruction I never thought I'd find the will to survive through it all. In short, I was lost, and that was when I met Matthan Bird.
Click image for Mariaville Farm & Mariaville Mushroom Men sales page.
I was instantly drawn in by his perspective on life and greatly appreciated the efforts he made to invest in my well-being. Over the next month, we had many long discussions ranging from philosophy, politics, science, my career choices, relationships, faith and many other subjects deeply personal to me. We bonded quickly, and with his support and the wisdom I gained through many of our "life talks" I got my life back on track.
Matthan never told me how I should live my life or how I should think. Instead, he took an unbiased approach to help me develop my own opinions and come to my own conclusions. His has a gentle way of forcing you to confront your own biases and preconceptions to see things from different angles. And he help guide through the process to find the person that I truly wanted to be, and become the man I am today.
When I discovered the world of fungi five years ago, I knew that starting my own business would be one of the greatest challenges in my life, but it was Matthan who helped me realize that I could overcome any obstacle that might present itself as long as I could stay focused on the task at hand. His continued advice has been invaluable to me in forming and growing my business, and in meeting and committing to the woman who become my wife and mother of my three children.
My life today is in large part due to meeting Matthan, and even now, almost 10 years later, whenever I feel lost or need guidance and inspiration I know I can still rely on him. I cherish the day I met Matthan Bird, for it is an honor and a privilege to have such a selfless person in my life who has so monumentally impacted my life since the first time we shook hands."
~Bobby Chandler, Mariaville Mushroom Men, founder and owner, June 2015.
Martha Asselin, Ph.D
Vice President of Student Affairs
SUNY-SCCC
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Matthan Bird. I have had the honor of getting to know Mr. Bird quite well over the course of the past eight years. We first met while he was enrolled at Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in the Human Service – A.S. program. Mr. Bird graduated from SCCC in May 2012 and went directly on to University at Albany to complete his bachelors and beyond. Matthan Bird is a dynamic leader, a hard working individual, a valuable role model and a dedicated student. I recommend Mr. Matthan Bird with only the highest of regard.
Mr. Bird has demonstrated commitment to his academics and his outstanding performance reflects his impressive talents. In September 2010, he was hired to assist the Student Affairs Division as the Veteran’s Affairs Officer. During Mr. Bird’s two years on the job, he built a Veteran’s Affairs Office. He has done the most incredible job taking the various services that we have offered on campus previously and designed a solid program for our student Veterans. He connected our campus, not only with our own students, but with the community at large. The impact that Mr. Bird makes in the lives of Veteran’s continues to be seen every day. Under his support and guidance, the SCCC Student Veteran’s Office opened a national chapter of the Student Veterans of America Organization. Based on his dedication and commitment, Schenectady County Community College has been recognized as a ‘student Veteran friendly campus’.
Mr. Bird accepts all roles and responsibilities with a serious commitment and genuine pride. No matter what he takes on, changes are made and positive results are witnessed. He follows through on all details and meets all deadlines in advance. His organizational skills and communication skills are outstanding. The results of his dedicated labor are evident in all his recognitions, awards and successes.
Mr. Bird’s input, guidance and perspective are valued greatly. He does an exceptional job juggling his multiple responsibilities. He is extremely organized, efficient, trustworthy and motivated. Of all student leaders I have ever had the pleasure to work with; Mr. Bird is clearly in the top 5%. He is an amazing, competent and confident individual. He sets a positive example for others while leading with a kind-heart and open mind. I have learned volumes from him. Few, if any, are in this same category of Mr. Bird. He stands above and beyond in a field of academic excellence and outstanding leadership. I recommend Mr. Bird with the highest of regard.
~Martha J. Asselin, Ph.D; VP of Student Affairs SUNY-SCCC; July 1, 2015
Brian O'Shaughnessy, JD
Homeless Prevention Clinic,
Charlotte School of Law
&
Legal of North Carolina-Charlotte Partnership
Homeless Prevention Clinic, Inaugural Class of 2015, Brian O'Shaughnessy at center, Matthan Bird at left-hand corner.
I was fortunate to have Matthan in my Homelessness Prevention Clinic for the Fall semester in 2015. From the first day of class, he showed an intellectual curiosity towards the material as well as a willingness to learn. He did independent research without being instructed to and seemed genuinely engaged in the subject matter. He was always on time for class and prepared to cover the materials for that class session. He worked well with the other students he worked with on cases as well as the other members of the class. He also volunteered to conduct research on services for homeless veterans in our community and was able to locate a potential referral source for a homeless veteran.
When we began taking real clients, Matthan was always prepared for the interviews and did background investigation on each prior to those interviews. He reviewed the relevant documentation as well as the law applicable to that particular case. He prepared memos discussing potential outcomes and what our next steps could be. He always approached his work in a professional and competent manner. In talking with the clients, he treated them with dignity and respect, and exhibited the patience and empathy necessary in representing low-income clients. Further, he asked appropriate questions to ensure we obtained all of the necessary information needed to adequately represent them.
He was also involved in an eviction hearing along with another student against a seasoned attorney. The client was being evicted for non-payment of rent, and he handled the direct examination of our client. He was fully prepared for the hearing, even though there were not witnesses present for the other side that we had anticipated, so he and the other student had to adjust on the spot to effectively represent the client. The students were able to make an effective Contract interpretation argument and the eviction complaint was dismissed.
He was also involved in a case that required traveling to a client’s home to investigate potential claims for the violation of the implied warranty of habitability. After the meeting on the home, Matthan worked with the other members of his group on discovery as well as an answer and counterclaims. His work was done in a professional manner, and while ultimately we settled the case so a trial was unnecessary, I am sure he would have been prepared had we proceeded with the trial.
~Brian O'Shaughnessy, JD; Homeless Prevention Clinic Supervising Attorney; January 25, 2016