Who We Are
New Horizons Life Skills was originally founded as New Horizons Corporation, a charitable 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1971 by Wanda Burkett and a group of concerned family members. New Horizons was the first organization of its kind in Middle Tennessee and has since built upon its roots in the provider community to support over 100 individuals with disabilities across 10 Middle Tennessee counties. We have provided person-centered job readiness and employment opportunities, supported and family model living, and community-based day programs for over 40 years. In 2019, we decided it was time to rejuvenate New Horizons’ community image and change our DBA name to New Horizons Life Skills as well as re-imagine our logo to incorporate the many services and programs we offer to our supported individuals.
New Horizons recognizes that individuals living with disabilities face challenges that last a lifetime, and usually need professional support on some level. Our trained staff understands and accepts their challenges, ranging from intellectual impairment such as Down syndrome, to physical disabilities that affect the ability to move such as cerebral palsy, to challenges with social skills, behaviors, and communication brought about by autism, and many more. Many individuals supported by New Horizons Life Skills have been in our care for years, even decades, and rely on us to provide quality services and supports every day. We ensure that adults with disabilities live as independently as possible in safe and comfortable environments that significantly improve functioning, self-care, and life satisfaction.
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.
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.
Leadership Team
Executive Director
Dwayne Breeding
Director of Finance
Human Resources Manager and Payroll
Donald “Rusty” Roberts
Director of CMRA
Katina Shields
Programs Director
Administrative Staff
Emma Opare-Addo
Program Coordinator
Account Payable/Receivable Specialist
Latisha Radley
Program Coordinator
Cathy Jackson
Health Services Assistant
Lisa Williams
Health Services Coordinator
Kelly Hall
Day Center Supervisor
Ronald Fox
Warehouse Supervisor
John Steiger
CMRA Supervisor
Program Coordinator
IT/Billing/Office Manager
Board Members
Russ Willis — Board President | Board of Professional Responsibility: Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee
Jason Rochelle — Board Vice-President | RJ Young Company, Inc.
Nick Passomato — Board Treasurer
Mary Bryson — Board Secretary
April Harrington | Exit Realty
Bill Manley
Dean Otto
Delana Stevens | Nations Title
Jennifer Bennett | Vanderbilt University
Jeremy Davidson
Maylene Jones
Interested in making a difference at New Horizons Life Skills and want to join our Board of Directors?
Contact our Outreach Department at 615.360.8595