Matt Bergles is a Colorado native who grew up in Pueblo, where he worked in the steel mill before graduating from South High School and CSU - Pueblo with a degree in social science. He earned a master's degree in U.S. history and a Ph.D. in public affairs at the University of Colorado at Denver, as well as a certificate in alternative dispute resolution at the University of Denver. His doctoral studies focused on the effects of agriculture and suburban/exurban sprawl on wildlife. His dissertation researched how government programs can influence farmers and ranchers to proactively conserve endangered species on their land. Matt currently teaches at a K-8 Christian/Catholic school in Denver, where he has witnessed firsthand young, inner-city kids' curiosity and their love of animals and nature. He has observed that every time the children are asked what community service project or charitable cause they'd like to be involved with, most of the K-3 students pick something related to pets or wildlife. This natural love and curiosity for animals and nature, as well as Matt's longtime intrigue with Francis of Assisi and the groundbreaking release of the papal encyclical Laudato Si ' is what led Matt to write Francis Frames the Future for young children. Matt is an independent researcher and advocate for wildlife conservation, especially conservation of prairie habitat. He lives in Denver with his two children, Luke and Mary, dog Samuel, and cat Mojo. Please visit www.mattbergles.com for more information.