Dr. Sprong is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Sprong's professional experiences involves private and forensic rehabilitation consultation (e.g., Life-Care Planning, Worker's compensation, Personal Injury Litigation, Impartial Vocational Expert Testimony in Social Security Hearings), substance abuse counseling, program evaluation, and vocational services (i.e., vocational evaluations, job placement services) in a community-based rehabilitation program. He has authored over 20 refereed journal articles, has several book chapter publications, and multiple presentations as the local, state, and national levels. He is currently the President of VEWAA and the Illinois Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP). Dr. Sprong is a certified rehabilitation counselor, licensed clinical professional counselor, certified alcohol and drug counselor, and certified life care planner. 

Dr. Matthew E. Sprong research interests include: Public and private sector rehabilitation counseling service delivery (e.g., gender, race, life-care planning); Co-existing disabilities (substance-related disorders) and other addictive behaviors; disability equity and post-secondary education.