Meet the Experts Behind iSocial

Our curriculum is driven by a multidisciplinary team of Ph.D.s, specialized educators, clinical social workers, and lifelong advocates for the neurodiverse community.

Leadership Team

Bob Etzel

CEO and Co-Founder

Bob grew up in Topeka, KS when it was considered the center of mental health innovation. This was largely due to the world-renowned Menninger Clinic and the extensive psychiatric training programs at Topeka State Hospital. Bob and other middle and high school students volunteered for seven years to interact weekly with the neurodistinct children in the city’s mental health institutions. Neurodistinct and neuro typical children interacted weekly and became friends. Here is where Bob gained his respect and compassion for his neurodistinct friends and for the professionals who dedicated their lives caring for them. During those years he gained his conviction to radically improve the lives of his institutionalized friends.

Work history in mental health with a focus on autism.

CEO positions

iSocial – CEO and co-founder of iSocial (partnering with University of Missouri, Vanderbilt University and the and Thompson Center for Autism Research.
BrightEHR- CEO and co-founder of this Electronics Health Records system for Community Mental Health Centers (partnered with KU)

Board of Directors - Current

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center serving more than 6,000 individuals and delivered over 164,000 services.
KU Center for Research in Learning. Advanced computer assisted learning for students with disabilities.
World Autism Forum
Autism Today

John Bruno, Ph.D.

Co-Founder & VP of Programs

Dr. Bruno oversees all aspects of programming including content creation, faculty selection, and research efforts. He also supervises Pre-Employment programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.

Dr. Bruno provides Professional Development workshops for professionals in Employment Coaching, Education, Health Care, and HR. Recently his work was the feature article for the Journal of Employee Assistance Professionals Association. His consultation is sought nationally and internationally.

Dr. Bruno held an Associate Professor of Research and Doctoral Directive status at Florida State University, Dean of Flagler College, and VP of Academics for Fontbonne University.

Meggan Griggs

Co-Founder & VP of Operations

Prior to being Vice President of Operations at iSocial, Meggan served as the VP of Operations for a nationally known new media company. Her career has included executive-level positions at a technology training company, educational software development, and major account management.

Meggan has also served as a lobbyist working to promote vocational education. She started her career with the US Department of Commerce where she helped introduce broadband learning services to libraries across the United States.

Expert Faculty

Mary Pat Gilliam, LCSW

School Social Worker & Author

Mary Pat is a distinguished School Social Worker with over three decades of experience supporting students across general and special education programs. She was named the Missouri School Social Worker of the Year in 2009 and received the prestigious Rose Award in 2024.

A published author, she wrote The Language of Children: Therapeutic Activities for Classrooms and Groups and presents at national SSWAA conferences.

Summer Peixoto

International Education Expert

Summer brings over 22 years of expertise in teaching, training, and leadership. She has delivered teacher training workshops for universities and U.S. State Department programs worldwide, including Fulbright.

A longtime Fulbright leader, she serves on the National Screening Committee. She conducts Professional Communications and Leadership Skills workshops for iSocial.

Andria “Andi” Wright, MSW

Vocational & Case Management

Andria is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience in non-profit management, social services, and vocational training. She facilitates iSocial workshops focused on career readiness and life skills.

Andria earned her bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University, a Human Services Certification from Georgetown University, and her master's from Catholic University.

Kirsten Brauch

Nonprofit Leader & Developer

Kirsten is a key member of the iSocial faculty and co-creator of the new iSocial Employment for the Neurodistinct (iSEND) lab. Honored as the 2024 Outstanding Emerging Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

After nine years in public education, she currently serves as Senior Director of Development at Guardian Angel Settlement Association.

Angela Adrignola

Behavior Therapist

Angela is a key facilitator at iSocial helping both children and adults. In addition to iSocial, she coordinates the Pre-Employment and Supported Volunteer Program at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

She earned a bachelor of science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the University of North Texas. She specializes in helping students and families form positive relationships.

Paul Imgrund

Special Educator

Paul is a special educator based in St Louis, MO. He has worked in the Special School District of St Louis County since 2019 and has been a dedicated part of the iSocial team since 2020.

He is passionate about working with individuals with exceptionalities, ensuring they have the tools to succeed both academically and socially.

Learn From The Best

Enroll in a program today and let our expert faculty guide you or your loved ones toward social success.