He received his Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina. He has taught and worked with students with behavioral disorders from grades K-12 in a variety of settings, including self-contained and resource classrooms, special day schools, wilderness programs and a residential treatment center. Now, he teaches graduate level courses on how to educate students with behavior problems and frequently consults with schools. His professional research interests include classroom and school-wide supports, including alternatives to aversive procedures like seclusion and timeout, and legal issues related to students with disabilities. He has published over 30 journal articles and book chapters and frequently presents with students at national and international conferences.