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 - Friendship House 1

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 2

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.                

Charis Ling - Resident Director - Friendship House 3

Charis (she/her) recently completed her master's in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Vanderbilt and currently works at an ABA clinic with young children with autism. She has lived at Friendship House 3 since 2022 and became resident director in the summer of 2024. Charis is excited to foster a caring, safe, and loving community with old and new friends living at FH3. 

Sophie Mueller, Resident Director - Friendship house 4

Sophie (she/her) is a current student pursuing a Master's of Education in Quantitative Methods. She was a job coach for several years for a non-profit organization and Next Steps at Vanderbilt supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sophie currently works in research focused on employment and mental health outcomes in adulthood for adults with developmental disabilities and is passionate about helping adults with disabilities transition into adulthood and live fulfilling lives. She joined Friendship House 4 and is excited to continue fostering an inclusive community.

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.