Our team includes more than 100 professionals in Arizona and a national network of management support — all dedicated to helping our students and school partners grow and thrive.
Pete Brown
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Pete Brown has worked in Special Education for the past 13 years as a teacher, lead teacher, positive behavior support coordinator, curriculum specialist, special education consultant, Professional Crisis Management Association Trainer and clinical director. He has provided trainings on positive behavior supports and behavior management for numerous school districts and educational conferences. Mr. Brown has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a MA in Special Education from the University of Colorado.
Rick Weathers
PRESIDENT, DCS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rick Weathers leads Learn It Systems’ private day schools in Arizona for children with social/emotional needs. Previously, he served as Lead Psychologist and Assistant Director of Special Programs for a number of public school districts throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. He is a practicing school psychologist with over 25 years in the field of special education.
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Desert Choice Schools hires and retains:
- Highly Qualified, Cross-Categorical Special Education Teachers
- Related Service Providers (School Psychologists, Certified Counselors, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists)
- Behavior Technicians
- Instructional Aides
All staff receive training in the areas of Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), and Professional Crisis Management.
Desert Choice Leadership Team:
Karen Zieder: Site Manager
Travis Haley: Site Manager
Bryony Arentz: Site Manager
Dr. Lynda Gordon: School Psychologist
Barbara Burgess: School Psychologist
Meghan Kimball: School Psychologist
Jacob Jenkins: Lead Behavior Technician
Harry Dickey: Lead Behavior Technician