Matea was born and raised in Hays, Kansas, where she was a parishioner of St. Nicholas of Myra. She attended high school at Thomas More Prep-Marian and college at Fort Hays State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with an emphasis in General Communication. Matea has served the Diocese as a Totus Tuus Teacher, Prayer and Action Staff member, and Religious Education Teacher. Matea is the diocesan videographer, the content manager for our social platforms, and assistant editor and photographer for Faith Magazine and The Register. She is known for having a passion for photography, creativity, catechesis, evangelization and building relationships. Outside of work she enjoys photographing weddings and events, teaching and performing at Theatre Salina and diretcting the musicals at Sacred Heart High School.