DR. DEREK
COLLINS
Founder & CEO of The Diversion Center & NACATP
Nationally recognized author, speaker, and expert in school violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, and evidence-based student support programs. Serving school districts and youth-serving organizations across all 50 U.S. states.
Years Experience
5-Star Reviews
National Accreditor
States Served
FROM SECOND CHANCE TO NATIONAL MISSION
Derek Collins turned his greatest challenge into his greatest strength. More than 20 years ago, after being arrested and successfully completing a pre-trial diversion program, he overcame addiction and transformed that second chance into a life's mission: ensuring that every person — regardless of their past — has access to the tools, support, and opportunity to build a better future.
Today, Dr. Collins is the Founder and CEO of both The Diversion Center and the National Association of Court Approved Treatment Providers (NACATP), the national accrediting body that sets the standard for evidence-based treatment programs across the United States.
With over 15 years of behavioral health expertise, Dr. Collins has developed a comprehensive suite of evidence-based curricula and operational systems that are now used by school districts and youth-serving organizations in all 50 states.
His work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: prevention is always better than incarceration, and every warning sign is an opportunity to intervene before tragedy strikes.
PUBLISHED CURRICULA & PROGRAMS
Beyond the Trigger: Gun Violence Intervention Workbook
Tier 3 evidence-based gun violence intervention curriculum for schools. 30+ modules.
Anger Management Participant Workbook
Tier 2 evidence-based anger management curriculum for schools and community organizations.
Healthy Hearts, Strong Voices
Tier 1 teen dating violence prevention workbook for girls. Launching November 2025.
Behavioral Threat Assessment System
Complete school violence prevention, threat response, and student reinstatement system.
Social-Emotional Learning Workbook for Parents and Teenagers
Family engagement curriculum supporting the whole-school safety approach.
How to Be Successful With or Without a College Degree
Life skills and professional development curriculum for youth and young adults.
CREDENTIALS & RECOGNITION
BOOK DR. COLLINS FOR YOUR DISTRICT
Dr. Collins is available for keynote presentations, staff training workshops, and district-wide professional development on school violence prevention, behavioral threat assessment, and student support.
Staff Training
On-site or virtual training for teachers, counselors, administrators, and school safety teams.
Keynote Speaking
Powerful keynote presentations on violence prevention, second chances, and school safety.
Curriculum Implementation
Hands-on implementation support for districts adopting Diversion Center programs.