Faculty & Staff
Brehm welcomes students into a transformative learning environment. In our inclusive community, each child is supported by a highly-qualified, caring team of experts: teachers and tutors, speech-language pathologists, dorm staff, medical and clinical specialists, and recreation staff. Together, we rebuild. We restore. We watch our students succeed.
Staff that is Caring and Credentialed
We offer a unique blend of holistic methodologies delivered by an industry-leading team of experts, the majority with advanced degrees and decades of experience. An average staff-to-student ratio of just 1:5 enables ample individual attention. Our faculty and staff collaborate to provide a 24/7 continuum of care.
Head of School
Dr. Richard Collins, Ph.D.
Dr. Richard Collins, Ph.D., serves as the Head of School at Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, IL, a leading institution dedicated to providing specialized education for students with learning disabilities and neurodiverse profiles.
With over 40 years of expertise in special education, Dr. Collins is a recognized leader in developing innovative educational practices that help students with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences achieve their fullest potential.
As the co-founder of Resurrected Dreams, Dr. Collins empowers families navigating the complex landscape of special education services, offering expert coaching and guidance. His hands-on approach ensures that each family receives the personalized support they need for their child’s success in both education and life skills.
Before leading Brehm, Dr. Collins held the position of Director at the Brehm Institute for Cognitive and Curricular Research, where he pioneered research protocols and collaborated with renowned institutions like Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to measure outcomes and improve educational access for students with learning differences.
His development of STEAM curricula has provided neurodiverse students with equitable opportunities in higher education and employment.
Dr. Collins also established the Greplytix AI database, which is used to track real-time educational outcomes and is currently employed at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School to assess the progress of medical residents.
Throughout his career, Dr. Collins has remained committed to transforming the lives of students with learning disabilities by creating holistic and individualized educational experiences.
His work at Brehm Preparatory School embodies his passion for empowering neurodiverse students to thrive both academically and personally.
Learn more about Dr. Collins’ leadership and how Brehm Preparatory School supports students with learning disabilities by visiting our school’s mission and programs.
Brehm Parent
Student Services
Cody Roberts
Courtney Vincent
Enrollment
LaNeal Nance
Donna Collins
Resource Management
Farah Roberts
Michael Hosmon
Tom Coffel
Carla Langan
Faculty and Staff
Brad Siemer
Emerick Neitzer
Meghan Collins-Morse
Paul Kosuth
Jocelyn Keehn
Jennifer Conwell-Barnes
Courtney Vincent
Speech-Language Pathologist
Barb Drew
Deb Browne
Marian Morris
Student Life Staff
Adriana Coleman
Devin Snoddy
Nursing Staff
Jami-Wittkopp, LPN
Brehm Student
Together, Let’s Explore if Brehm Is the Right Fit for Your Child
Connecting with a boarding school that understands your child's needs can be daunting.
Reach out to our team of experts to discover how Brehm stands apart, offering a secure and nurturing environment, fostering holistic growth and development.
English Department
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students in literature, writing, grammar, research, and technology integration. To deliver a standard-based curriculum, we provide the necessary accommodations and strategies. We address the foundational language skills when necessary to fill the learning holes and improve outcomes.
The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.
The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.
The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays.
The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.
The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:
- Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genres
- Understand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elements
- Evaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or context
- Use assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information (BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth, G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)
- Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writing
- Speak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topic
- Expand and refine vocabulary
- Engage in higher order thinking skills
- Reading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software
The English Department of Brehm Preparatory School provides individualized instruction for students with learning disabilities in literature, writing, grammar, technology integration, and reading remediation. The curriculum provides students with the skills necessary to become independent readers, writers, and thinkers in traditional and digital print. English teachers enable students to receive direct instruction regarding technologies and compensatory strategies that can aid them in information acquisition and comprehension improvement.The remedial courses are composed of three to five students who have demonstrated difficulty with reading fluency, word reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. Instruction may include any of the following methodologies: Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Language Circle resources to expand students’ phonemic awareness, fluency, and comprehension abilities. When necessary, this course moves at a slower pace while reading abridged texts. Writing activities are focused on teaching the writing process and strategy development.The modified courses are composed of five to six students that require direct instruction but provide more opportunities for independent performance of skills. Instruction consists mostly of group reading and independent reading depending on the individual student’s abilities and skill levels. This course moves at a moderate pace while reading a mixture of abridged and standard texts. Writing activities are performed at a guided practice level, often incorporating five paragraphs essays. The standard courses are composed of seven to eight students. The focus of these classes is to improve overall understanding of literary components and advance verbal and written expression. Instruction consists mostly of group reading with opportunities for independent reading and higher-order thinking skills. These courses move at an average pace, depending on individual skill levels, while reading standard texts. Writing activities are performed with prompts and opportunities for more independent essay writing.The English Department’s objectives for all classes include:Improve reading skills while reading a variety of literary genresUnderstand, analyze, synthesize, and assess literary elementsEvaluate literature in relation to historical perspectives and/or contextUse assistive technology and software to read, comprehend, organize, and present information
(BookShare, Keynote, iBooks, Grammarly, Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech, Quizlet, Storyboardthat.com, Photobooth,
G-Suite – Docs, Forms, Slides)Apply grammatical, spelling, and punctuation rules to writingSpeak and write clearly and concisely on a specified topicExpand and refine vocabulary Engage in higher order thinking skillsReading support and coaching through online software