Brehm's Paramount Program begins with its Staff

"We don't teach classes, we teach kids."

- Greg "Coach" Douglas

In 1982, Greg Douglas was hired to be a part of Carol Brehm's vision of education for students with learning disabilities. More than 27 years later, Coach remains at Brehm as one of the original staff members.

These staff members were essential in building the foundation of the program that exists today. Over the years, many changes took place. In 1982, Brehm completed the year with 38 students. This year, Brehm welcomed nearly 100 students, grades 6-12.

The building blocks of Brehm included giving students with learning disabilities the opportunity to have a more normalized educational experience. That idea continues today through groups and activities such as: student council, prom, robotics team, paintball, boys & girls basketball, soccer, P.E. and more.

"This is not your average school," Coach says. "This is not an 8-5 job. Brehm gets into your blood. And when we take in a student, we take in the whole family.

Everyone wants the best for their child, they just need someone to show them the answer. They have to be able to trust us to see them fail and show them [the answer]; no one thing works for everyone. We help them learn how to learn."

Coach says that long-term employees and new staff members create the perfect combination of continuity and fresh ideas. We have created a family here within Brehm and it helps us succeed at empowering students with learning disabilities, he says.

Coach is beginning his 37th year in teaching. He says that he intends to finish his career at Brehm.