What is the Dream Cooperative?
A community-based non-profit organization open to all individuals with disabilities ages 10+, providing services targeted to ease the transition from adolescence to adulthood and promote well-being beyond into older adulthood. The Dream Cooperative hopes to serve as a community to individuals with disabilities and their families, where participants can engage in skill development for work readiness, educational outcomes, and independent living, as well as engage in leisure pursuits tailored to their own interests. Socialization and engagement in meaningful activity is at the core of the Dream Cooperative's approach to providing a neurodiverse-affirming and cultivating environment for the best outcomes of participants.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to improve the lives of exceptional individuals in our community through services including educational and therapeutic resources, nature and plant therapy, life skills and job training, and community integration and socialization opportunities. Our hope is to build a community for meaningful participation catered to the interests of those we serve.
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is encompassed within the name "Dream Cooperative." The "Dream" stands for developing resources in the exceptional community for empowerment, accessibility, and meaningful lives. The "Cooperative" represents the joining together of those who support our vision and share resources to improve the lives of those who are exceptional in the Upper Cumberland Region.
Meet The Dream Board
Heidi Clopton, OTR/L - President
"Cookeville, TN has been my home for over 25 years. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Memphis with highest honors in 1998. Early in my occupational therapy career, I was honored to receive the elite award of "Most Outstanding OT in 35 Years" from my alma mater. I was also deeply honored to be the first recipient inducted into the Rising Above Ministries "Hall of Heroes." Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of lecturing both nationally and internationally to share my expertise as well as serve as editor for the book "Sensory Processing Anthology," a comprehensive guide to Sensory Processing Disorders sold internationally.
I have always had a heart for improving resources for the special needs community in the Upper Cumberland. This passion led me to help create several local nonprofits, including Rising Above Ministries and the Cookeville Children's Museum.
Rising Above Ministries recently celebrated 20 years and has grown to serve special needs families all over the world. One of my visions was to create the Heroes Ball - a special night for families to honor their hero with a red carpet entrance, dinner, photos, and dancing. This event has become a hallmark of Rising Above's yearly events. Today, the organization has expanded internationally and has been replicated in cities across the globe.
I have been a practicing pediatric OT for over 28 years. I began my career serving children through TEIS and school systems before opening Centers of Development in 2002. My passion for building meaningful therapeutic relationships with families and integrating therapy into everyday routines inspired me to start my own practice. My vision for Centers of Development was to provide all therapy disciplines in one place with a holistic team-based approach, which continues today with over three clinics in the Upper Cumberland Region and stands as the most comprehensive therapy team in the area.
With many of the children I worked with now in their 20s, I have seen firsthand the growing need for continued support for exceptional and neurodiverse individuals in our community. There is a critical need for neurodiverse supportive resources for social connection, vocational, life skill development, job opportunities, and education.
The Dream Cooperative was created to meet this need- providing a space where each individual who is unique, exceptional, or neurodiverse is supported, valued, and given opportunities to thrive!"
Dawn Fry -Vice President
"I have a 23-year-old son with autism, and finding resources has always been a challenge. I am excited to help bring this organization to our community. I am passionate about the special needs community in Putnam County and seek to assist individuals and families, whether it be in the legal field, in education, where I serve as a Putnam County School Board member, or on one of the boards on which I serve."
Mark Wilson - Treasurer
" My name is Mark Wilson, and I am a veteran higher education athletics administrator with more than 34 years of experience at NCAA Division I institutions. I spent 21 years serving as the Director of Athletics at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee. As a leader in higher education and sports, my career and volunteer focus is now on how I can give back to my community. I am honored to be Treasurer for a non-profit in our community whose vision and mission align with my heart for special needs.
Throughout my career, my priorities have centered on academic success leading to graduation, building championship-level teams, and ensuring student-athletes have a positive and meaningful experience. I am deeply committed to serving the community and fostering a family-like environment that enriches the lives of student-athletes, their families, coaches, and staff.
I have been honored to serve on the Ohio Valley Conference Board of Directors of Athletics, including two terms as chair. My involvement in NCAA governance has included roles on the Leadership Council, the Football Oversight Committee, and the Football Championship Committee, where I served as chair for one year. I was also elected to the NACDA Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Executive Committee and served one term as chair. In 2013, I was honored to be recognized as the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year for the Football Championship Subdivision.
I bring expertise in NCAA compliance, Title IX, governance, fundraising, facility development, and leadership. I am best known for my personal approach, building genuine relationships with student-athletes, their families, staff, and members of the community.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from the University of Maine and my Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts. My wife, Melanie, and I are proud parents of five daughters."
Alyssa Oluwalana, CCC-SLP - Secretary
"I am a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master of Science from East Tennessee State University and extensive experience supporting individuals with diverse communication and developmental needs. Throughout my career in outpatient medical settings, schools, and home health, I have specialized in treating both pediatric and adult patients with complex conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
My commitment to the disability community extends beyond the clinic through my work as a Certified Sibshop Facilitator and my volunteer efforts with local organizations. I am deeply passionate about joining The Dream Cooperative because I recognize the vital importance of providing continuous, high-quality support for adults with special needs. I am eager to serve individuals in the community who require these essential services, ensuring they have the tools and advocacy needed to thrive throughout every stage of life."
JamieRae Freedle - Chief Executive Officer of Educational & Homeschool Supports
" I am thrilled to be part of the Dream Cooperative! I am passionate about empowering the exceptional members of our community to develop their own passions and reach their greatest potential.
My experience includes working as a caregiver for adults with autism and other special needs, serving as an RBT, and working as a teacher’s assistant in a Special Education/TRACS classroom. Through these roles, I have experienced the joy of seeing goals reached, progress made, and the smiles that come with success. Additionally, as the parent of a child with autism and other special needs, I personally understand the challenges of raising an exceptional child. I am grateful to be part of the Dream Cooperative mission, where children and adults like my son will have a place to belong, learn, grow, and shine for who they are."
Rachel Hof - Social Commitee Chair
My name is Rachel Hof, and I am an early childhood preschool teacher with a passion for supporting individuals with special needs, the neurodivergent community, and their families. I love encouraging dreamers to explore new skills, grow in confidence, and build meaningful connections. I created Unique to bring joy, connection, and access to resources and services within the Cookeville community. My goal is to spread awareness and highlight the compassion our city has for supporting individuals of all abilities. Everyone is welcome, valued, and included. I am excited for what the future holds for our community.