JOrdan collins, Executive Director

Jordan (he/him) grew up in Durban, South Africa, and moved to Nashville in 2011 to attend Belmont University where he earned his degree in Christian Leadership. Jordan has been involved with Our Place Nashville since its inception in 2015, when he and his wife, Bailey, became the first resident directors of the organization’s first Friendship House, helping to shape its community living model. Since then, Jordan has gained extensive experience in nonprofit leadership both locally and abroad, most notably helping start and run a successful non-profit project, SafePlace in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. He returned to Our Place Nashville as Associate Director in 2021 and stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2025 following the retirement of founder Carolyn Naifeh.

Jordan lives in Nashville with his wife Bailey and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys running, gardening, and photography.

Gavin Dillinger, Associate Director

Gavin (he/him) grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and attended MTSU where he received a Bachelor of Social Work before moving to Nashville to work in disability advocacy, spending six years with The Arc Tennessee. Gavin brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the IDD field, along with a genuine passion for inclusion and advocacy. He is an avid reader and spends most of his free time in coffee shops or at dog parks with his dogs Bertie and Clove.

Ashley Matthews, Resident Support Specialist

Ashley (she/her) is a Florida native who attended Auburn University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work. She was drawn to Music City as she’s an avid concert-goer and music enthusiast. Before joining Our Place Nashville as the Resident Support Specialist, she provided a range of services to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, from job coaching to independent living skills training. Ashley is passionate about mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusion for all. She envisions a world where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to create the life they dream for themselves. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks with her partner, traveling, and spending time with her two cats, Lincoln and Raspberry.

Bobbi Young, Resident Support Specialist

Bobbi (she/her) grew up in Clarksville and earned both of her degrees from Austin Peay State University. Before joining Our Place, Bobbi taught Special Education for eight years, working on transition skills with high schoolers, and has also worked at Mental Health Cooperative as an employment specialist. Bobbi has a passion for the IDD community and building relationships by making individuals feel safe and supported. In her free time, Bobbi loves audiobooks, thrift store shopping, and spending time with her husband, Bill, and her daughters, Hannah and Autumn.

Madeleine Lewis, Resident Director - Vanderbilt Divinity Friendship House

Madeleine (they/them) is a PhD student in Community Research and Action at Vanderbilt. They have been living at Friendship House since 2023 and are excited to continue being in community with their friends and neighbors through shared meals, gatherings at fire pits, and birthday celebrations. Madeleine loves gardening and loves to trade, share, and gift plants. They are grateful to their community of friends and neighbors for creating an inclusive and supportive environment in which to live.

Ed Rettman, Resident Director - Friendship House 3 (Cook HOuse)

Edward (Ed) ( he/him ) is a current student at Peabody college at Vanderbilt University. Prior to working on his master’s degree, Edward received his bachelor’s in special education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and taught 5-12th grade in a Rural Alaskan School. He has been living at friendship house since August of 2024 and became the resident director in September. Edward has a passion for building vibrant relationships with his fellow residents, encouraging advocacy skills and being a team leader.                

Brittany Harrison, Resident Director - Friendship house 4

Brittany (she/her) was born and raised in Northern California, and moved to Tennessee in 2021. She feels a deep desire to support people with all kinds of disabilities, especially because she knows from personal experience with her own chronic illness, how inaccessible the world can be. She also incorporates making the world more inclusive for everyone by working at a salon that prioritizes offering services to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. She moved into Friendship House 4 as a housemate in May 2024, and became the Resident Director in April 2025. Brittany particularly enjoys connecting with friends by playing games together, watching movies, and doing community art projects.

Bege Mallam, MHP, Resident Director Assistant - Friendship house 4

Bege Jacob Mallam (he/him) was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, and moved to Nashville in 2021 to further his education. He has been a part of the Our Place Nashville community since that time, first as a student resident and now serving as the Assistant Resident Director at Friendship House 4.

Bege holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master of Public Health from Tennessee State University. He currently works in public health and is passionate about improving community health and overall well-being, with a focus on supporting underserved populations.

Outside of work, Bege enjoys swimming, playing badminton, working out, learning new skills, and spending time with friends.

Jordan Heykoop, Resident Director - Friendship House 5

Jordan (they/them) is excited to serve as a Resident Director in Friendship House 5! They moved from Friendship House 2, having lived as a student resident since September of 2022 when they were a graduate student studying History at Vanderbilt University. Jordan is grateful to co-create community with new friends in OPN’s newest Friendship House Community. Jordan works as an elementary science teacher and frequently apologies to the other housemates for turning the kitchen into a science lab.

Bukky Daramola, Resident Director Assistant - Friendship House 5

Bukky (she/her) is a Nigerian international student currently pursuing her Masters of Business Administration at Tennessee State University. She joined the Friendship House Community in April 2024, taking on the responsibilities of the Resident Assistant Director role. When she’s not exploring new relationships or nurturing existing ones, you can find her grooving to her favorite tunes, from classic hits to contemporary beats or strolling through the park, soaking up nature's serenity. You can also find her immersed in a captivating movie, escaping reality for a while

Eddie Rutland, Resident Director - Friendship House 6

Eddie is a local Nashville musician and dancer, whose most impressive craft is his slide guitar. He has worked as a personal caregiver for a young adult with Angelman’s Syndrome for many years, and is naturally brilliant at including people and making everyone feel part of the community. Eddie brings a lot of joy, fun, and good music to the world, and has been a part of the community since the day residents first moved in.

Trina Caldwell, Resident Director

Trina was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and spent much of her adult life in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. In August 2022, she relocated to Nashville, where she became a resident of one of the Friendship Houses. She has deeply enjoyed being a part of this vibrant community and looks forward to the exciting journey ahead in her new Friendship House neighborhood.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and currently works as an Admission Specialist at Vanderbilt University.  She is also a licensed minister, serving in multiple leadership capacities at Mount Zion Nashville, where she brings both heart and excellence to her calling. Ministry is her passion—it allows her to foster meaningful connections, and to serve others with compassion, kindness, and love. 

In her downtime, Trina delights in reading (currently part of a fantastic book club), writing, and unwinding with Marvel movies—which you’re more than welcome to join her for!

Jeremy Heavener, Resident Director - Friendship House 6

Jeremy Heavener moved to Nashville from Youngstown Ohio to follow a career in music! He is a Singer songwriter and talented guitarist in the Bluegrass music genre. He also loves hunting, fishing, skateboarding, snowboarding, golf & cooking - while the most important thing to him is his faith.

JEMMA SUWA, RESIDENT DIRECTOR ASSISTANT - FRIENDSHIP HOUSE 6

Jemma Suwa (she/her) is a clergyperson/chaplain who has been a resident in the Friendship Houses since August 2023. She moved to Friendship House 6 in July 2025 and is looking forward to relationship-building & community-building in her role as Resident Director Assistant. Jemma enjoys true crime TV, boba tea, scented candles, walks in the park, conversations around spirituality & identity, and dancing to Afrobeats! She was born and raised in Nigeria and has lived in the U.S. since 2009.