Rosa Maria Matthews is a graduate of Campbell University and has many years of experience working with young children and their families. She worked for many years as the Center Director for a migrant head start program that served children from birth to age five, later serving as the Program Coordinator for the migrant program in North Carolina. Prior to that she served as an instructor with Central Carolina Community College, teaching English as a Second Language and working with non-English speaking families.

Mrs. Matthews has served on the Harnett County Health Board, the Harnett County Partnership for Children Board, and as Chair of the Harnett County Hispanic Committee. She and her husband Brooks live in Buies Creek, North Carolina and have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. They attend The Shepherd's Church in Cary. Mrs. Matthews is currently retired and manages her own business. She continues to be passionate about young children and is honored to be serving as a member of the North Carolina Partnership for Children State Board.