Murphys, CA…Wayne Brown, who retired as the Superintendent of the Stanislaus Union School District, has been chosen to be the first full time Executive Director of Mind Matters, the Murphys based non-profit clinic that is noted for its innovative treatment of autism and similar disorders. “As an educator, I am very much aware of the work being done by Mind Matters and how it can improve the lives of young people and their families,” says Brown. “I am pleased to have been chosen to lead the organization, to help it extend its programs and to secure the necessary funds to make that possible. I look forward to working closely with Dr. Thompson and his staff and interacting with the communities they serve.”

The clinic was founded in 2007 by Dr. Ryan Thompson and his wife Kim as a result of their frustration in finding help for their son, Mitch, who is autistic. Over the years, the clinic has developed successful programs to help individuals and families to cope with the consequences of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), and learning disabilities. During this time, Thompson has functioned as the Chief Executive Officer and the Medical Director.

“As our organization continued to evolve, grow and mature, it became apparent that a shift in leadership was necessary,” states Thompson. “We began an extensive search to find the right person to fill the newly created role of Executive Director which led us to Wayne Brown. We are confident that he is uniquely qualified to supervise the overall operations of our organization, expand our sphere of influence in the community and seek more opportunities to serve our clients.

“As Medical Director, I will be able to concentrate on delivering the highest quality of medical care. This is an exciting time for all of us as we take yet another step forward in our evolution.”

The responsibility for finding and hiring the ED rested with the clinic’s Board of Directors.
“What we were looking for is a leader who will embrace our mission with passion, rally the board and staff, engender enthusiasm for our cause among the greater community, and manage our organization with communication, care, and concern for all,” says Jan Alcalde, the Board Chair. “We were fortunate to find Wayne Brown and know he can help us to build on what Dr. Thompson has created so we may achieve our fullest potential, as well as enrich our coffers.”

Brown, who assumed his duties on July 15, has had a distinguished career as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He comes with the highest recommendations from those who have worked with him. His wife, Cathy, is a special education teacher, which gives him an additional insight into the needs of autistic and AD/HD students.

In this new post, Brown will have responsibility for the overall administration of the clinic, its programs, day-to-day operations, staffing, and finances.