Behavior Management

John Wheeler, Ph.D. is currently Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development and Professor of Special Education at East Tennessee State University. He has served in many roles throughout his career in special education that have included teaching, research, and administration as Dean. He continues to conduct research in the areas of positive behavior supports, autism and developmental disabilities. He enjoys time with family and masters Olympic-style weightlifting as a hobby.



David Dean Richey, Ph.D., is currently Emeritus Professor of Special Education at Tennessee Technological University where in post-retirement he works with doctoral students in young children at risk, families and positive behavior support. Beginning in 1966 as a teacher-counselor for young children labeled emotionally disturbed and extending through many years of faculty teaching in the areas of early childhood special education, emotional disturbance-behavior disorders, and family partnerships, Dr. Richey's career spans forty-six years of research, teaching and service. He enjoys time with his family, grandchildren and friends, in addition to gardening, traveling, reading and college athletics.