Administration

Richard G. Collins, Ph.D.
Executive Director/Head of School
Richard G. Collins, Ph.D received his doctorate from St. Louis University and has completed post-doctorial work at both Boston College and Southern Illinois University. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Brehm’s OPTIONS program, which helps adults with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder in their transition to college. He is a former faculty member at Leslie University, where he was the Lab School Director, and he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Harvard University, Boston College, Font Bonne University, and other colleges. Dr. Collins has been an administrator and teacher in both public and private schools and often serves as a consultant for start-up schools. His strategic planning work has included facilitating future development and adapting research in schools. He sits on several boards of directors of both local and national organizations that work with special needs students, including non-profit schools. Dr. Collins is also a recognized authority on Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder and is frequently called upon to lecture and present at conferences on these subjects. He brings a personal understanding to these topics, as he has ADD and is an adult dyslexic himself.

Brian P. Brown, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Dr. Brian Brown has 22 years of experience working with students who have complex learning difficulties and other co-morbid related issues. Dr. Brown holds a Ph.D in Educational Psychology in Counseling, is a Licensed Social Worker, and holds a School Social Work Certification. He serves on the Illinois North Central Association State Board and has received the Southern Illinois University Alumnus of the Year Award from the School of Social Work.

Terri Lynn Douglas
Director of Educational Services
Terri Douglas has worked in the education field for more than 20 years. A native of Nebraska, she received her Bachelor of Science degree from Hastings College in Elementary Education and Special Education. As a member of the Carbondale community, she earned a Master’s Degree in Education and is currently working on a second Master’s Degree in Administration from Southern Illinois University. Terri holds teaching certification as a Learning Behavior Specialist I, which qualifies her to teach K-12 students. Additionally, she makes presentations regularly at local, state, and national conferences and workshops. In the year 2000, The Wal-Mart Foundation recognized Terri as Teacher of the Year.

M. Brad Sims, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Director of Speech-Language Pathology
Brad Sims brings six years of experience as a teacher of students with special needs and another 21 years as a speech-language pathologist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences. Brad’s breadth of experience includes teaching and curriculum design, consulting, and diagnostic and therapy services in public and private schools, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and private practice settings.

Bob Grimmer
Director of Clinical Services
Bob Grimmer is the Director of Clinical Services at Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Illinois. Over the past 20 years Bob has worked at multiple private and public school settings, residential therapeutic and behavioral programs, wilderness programs, and treatment centers in various states. In his current capacity Bob works directly with students to address their emotional concerns, explore strategies, and as a source for linkage of services within and out program. Before coming to Brehm Bob has worked in the capacity of counselor, family therapist, and administration of multiple clinical programs, and in school settings. He has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation counseling from the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Theresa Miller
Dean of Student Life
Theresa Miller is the Director of Residential Life at Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Illinois. She has more than fifteen years experience working with adolescents; the majority as the Associate Administrator for a licensed residential children’s home. Before working in residential care, she worked with victims and witnesses of violent crime (children and adults) at the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office and also in the Investigations Unit at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and has served on many boards, task forces, and committees throughout the region that address adolescent issues and concerns. Theresa was the recipient of the Minerva Award in 2007 (an award given to a female in the community for outstanding community service and leadership). She received instructor certifications and taught through the Illinois State Police Training and Standards Board and the Non-Violent Physical Crisis Prevention Institute. In addition, she has successfully completed Conflict Resolution Training, Leadership Training, and other supervisory training courses.

Joseph Viscomi
Director of Information Services and Technology
Joe Viscomi is the Director of Information Services and Technology at Brehm Preparatory School. Viscomi holds duel Bachelor’s degrees in computer science and mathematics. He also holds a graduate degree in mathematics and is in the process of completing his Ph.D. Joe’s research interests include machine learning, distributed problem solving, knowledge representation and automated reasoning. Joe has published several articles in leading scientific and other journals, and some of the topics include automated economic optimizations, reasoning based on unlabeled graphs, robotics and automated systems, and effective STEM education of students with complex learning disabilities. Viscomi has given many guests lectures at several universities and conferences, which include Southern Illinois University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, International Dyslexia Association, MacWorld, and others. Before arriving at Brehm, Joe was a software engineer who developed software for large-scale distributed systems. Joe has more than 10 years experience in designing, building and maintaining complex software and computer systems. He is also very interested in environmental engineering, ecological responsible building, and alternative energy sources. In his free time, he contributes to several open source projects, volunteers as the lead mentor for FIRST Robotics Team 2219, plays hockey, enjoys boating, and enjoys all the local wineries with his family and friends.

Pam Altman
Assistant Dean of Student Life
Pam C. Altman received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri Columbia in 2006. She is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is one of the Assistant Deans of Student Life at Brehm Preparatory School. She responsible for the supervision and mentoring of both M.S.W. and B.S.W. interns attending Southern Illinois University. She began her tenure at Brehm as an M.S.W. intern herself.

Russell Williams
Director of the Brehm School Foundation
Russell D. Williams is Director of the Brehm School Foundation. The Foundation, a nonprofit organization, ensures the continuing advancement and mission of Brehm School and the OPTIONS Transitions to Independence programs. Brehm and OPTIONS are programs that serve junior high, high school, and post-high school students with complex learning disabilities. Williams has worked in fund development with Brehm since 2008. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Education from McKendree University, where he started the university’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta International History Honor Society. His Master’s degree is from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. His professional experience also includes work with the American Cancer Society, John A. Logan College, and the United Methodist Church. Williams has earned several professional certifications from the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, the Grantsmanship Training Center, and the American Cancer Society. He has organized and taught training courses for regional nonprofit organizations, working with the Southern Illinois Community Foundation and John A. Logan College. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Southern Illinois Fund Development Association, and Kiwanis International. His volunteer experience includes leading missions in Mexico and the U.S.