From Kristen Mathews

Owner, Founder & Sister

Before I was a Direct Support Professional, Supports Broker, executive, presenter, or business owner, I was simply a sister.

When people ask why I started Mathews Supports, my answer is always the same: my brother, Richard.

Growing up with a brother who has an intellectual disability shaped the way I see the world. Long before I worked in this field, I experienced it as a sister. I saw the challenges my family faced, the importance of having the right supports, and the difference that caring professionals can make in someone's life.

As I built my career, I worked with hundreds of people and families across New Jersey. While every person had a different story, one thing remained the same: everyone wanted to be heard, respected, and supported in building a life that reflected their own goals and choices.

Over the years, I realized I wanted to create an organization that reflected those values. I wanted to build a team that puts relationships first, listens before acting, and works alongside people and families not simply for them.

That's why Mathews Supports was created.

Today, our work is grounded in A Culture of Gentleness*, Charting the LifeCourse*, and Ukeru*, but those are more than frameworks to us. They reflect the way we believe support should be provided with trust, respect, partnership, and a commitment to seeing the whole person.

I'm proud of the team we've built. Many of us have worked together for years, and several of us have personal connections to disability through our own families. Those experiences remind us every day that behind every service plan, every meeting, and every goal is a person who deserves to be valued and supported.

Mathews Supports was founded with one purpose: to help people build lives based on their own goals, interests, and choices. That purpose continues to guide every decision we make.