About New Horizons

Who We Are

New Horizons is a nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can live, work, and thrive in their community.

About New Horizons

Get an overview of our services and the programs we offer to help adults build independence, find work, and connect with their community.

Our Story

Learn about our history, how we started in 1971, and why New Horizons continues to make a difference across Middle Tennessee.

History

Founded in 1971 by Wanda Burkett and a group of families, New Horizons was the first organization of its kind in Middle Tennessee. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into support for more than 100 individuals across 10 counties. In 2019, we refreshed our name and brand to better reflect what we provide today: life skills, independence, and community connection.

Two smiling men sitting at a table in a casual setting, one wearing a black beanie and glasses, the other with a shaved head and facial hair, in front of a background with a refrigerator and colorful decorations.

Mission

To support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by advocating for their rights and dignity, providing person-centered services and programs, and ensuring their independence through meaningful work, living conditions, and access to the community.

Two women standing together on a sidewalk under blooming cherry blossom trees, one with a cane and the other holding a flower near her face, in a park or street setting.

Vision

To create a better quality of life and level of independence for adults living with disabilities by teaching valuable life skills through individualized employment, community-based outings, and living opportunities.

An older man with a bald head and wearing an orange long-sleeve shirt sits on a brown couch, holding a black and white cat. The man is looking at the cat, which is looking forward. The background shows a cluttered dining area with chairs, a table, and decorative items.

Leadership Team

  • Aisha Mansaray

    Aisha Mansaray

    Executive Director

  • A woman with long dark hair, glasses, and a black top smiling against a plain white background.

    Amy McCord

    HR & Payroll Manager

  • Smiling elderly man with glasses, short gray hair, and a beard, wearing a red shirt, against a plain light-colored background.

    Donald "Rusty" Roberts

    Director of CMRA

  • A smiling woman with dark hair in loose waves, wearing hoop earrings and a black top, against a plain light-colored background.

    Katina Shields

    Programs Director

Administrative Team

  • Smiling African American woman with glasses, curly hair, wearing a blue top and a white scarf, against a plain white background.

    Emma Opare-Addo

    Program Coordinator

  • A woman with light skin and blonde hair styled in a top knot, smiling, wearing a black shirt, against a plain white wall.

    Cathy Jackson

    Health Services Assistant

  • A woman with long brown hair and glasses, winking and smiling, wearing a blue top against a plain white background.

    Lisa Williams

    Health Services Coordinator

  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing a gray shirt and a green bracelet, sitting outdoors in front of a colorful mosaic art piece on a park bench.

    Jessica Young

    Program Coordinator

  • A middle-aged man with a long white beard, wearing a camouflage baseball cap and an olive green shirt, standing against a plain white background.

    John Steiger

    CMRA Supervisor

  • A middle-aged man with a beard, glasses, and bald head, wearing a navy blue shirt, standing against a plain white wall.

    Brandon McCord

    IT/Billing/Office Manager

  • A smiling middle-aged man with white hair, a white beard and mustache, wearing a dark gray collared shirt, standing against a plain light-colored background.

    Ronald Fox

    Warehouse Supervisor

Board Members

Executive Officers

  • Jason Rochelle,, President
    Board of Professional Responsibility: Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee

  • Jennifer Bennet, Vice President
    Vanderbilt University

  • Nick Passomato, Treasurer

Directors

  • April Harrington — EXIT Realty

  • Delana Stevens — Nations Title

  • Jennifer Bennett — Vanderbilt University

Join Us!

There are so many ways to support New Horizons. Whether you volunteer, or partner with us, your involvement helps adults with disabilities live, work, and thrive.

  • Local businesses, schools, and community groups make our work possible. Partner with us to provide job opportunities, host events, or build inclusive programs.

    Contact Us for partnership opportunities

  • Your time and energy matter. From helping at events to supporting daily activities, volunteers bring joy and connection to the people we serve.

    Contact Us for volunteer opportunities

  • Looking for meaningful work? Explore careers at New Horizons and join a team dedicated to building independence and inclusion every day.

    Download An Application Here

  • Build skills while making a difference. Internships at New Horizons offer hands-on experience in disability services, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement.

    Explore Internships Here

  • Lead with purpose. Our Board of Directors shapes the mission and growth of New Horizons. Interested in serving? We’d love to connect.

    Contact Us here for board opportunities