About Us
The BrightStone Story
BrightStone was founded by Brenda Hauk, a special education teacher in Williamson County, who saw a critical need for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) after high school. She recognized that over 70% of adults with IDD were back home, unemployed, and had limited opportunities for further education or community involvement. After much prayer, she felt led to start a nonprofit organization to meet this need.
In 1999, BrightStone opened its doors to four students in donated space at The People’s Church in Franklin, TN.
As enrollment grew, BrightStone built its first 9,000 sf facility in 2007, allowing the day program to expand to 38 adults. In 2017 the Land of Dreams capital campaign was launched and raised over $20 million—with no government funding—leading to the purchase of 140 acres, now known as the Land of Dreams campus, where BrightStone continues to expand its mission.
After Brenda’s retirement in 2022, following over two decades of dedicated leadership, Lee Rose became CEO. He previously served as BrightStone’s Director of Operations for 15 years, ensuring a seamless transition for continued growth.
In November 2022, BrightStone opened a 23,000 sf Center for Learning, Art, and Enterprise, providing expansive state-of-the-art spaces for vocational training, academics, computer training, health and wellness, art, music, recreational activities, and more. By the end of 2024, enrollment in BrightStone’s year-round day program grew to 60 adults, supported by 30 full-time employees, including a Registered Nurse and five teachers with Master’s Degrees in Special Education.
In 2024, BrightStone achieved two historic milestones:
Opened its first two residential homes, offering housing options for 4 adults with IDD and an in-home manager to provide care and support.
Selected as Tennessee’s Pilot Residential Program, it is the only organization allowed by law to develop a residential campus for adults with IDD in Middle TN. As the first facility of its kind, BrightStone is now a model for Tennessee and across the U.S., setting new standards for residential care.
With 16 additional homes planned, BrightStone is building a future where families can find quality housing options and peace of mind for their loved ones. The Land of Dreams campus Master Plan development will only be possible with continued community support.
Watch BrightStone’s Faithful Journey to learn more about our story and mission.
In Collaboration With
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Vision
BrightStone’s vision is for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have a quality life where their choices and their voices matter and where they are valued and respected for who they are as individuals.
Philosophy
We recognize that each individual is created equally by a loving and caring God. The individuals at BrightStone deserve not only our respect and our care, but also our admiration – championing and encouraging diversity, individualism, and personal choice as to their own lives, livelihood, and leisure. Our philosophy is supported by these Core Values:
Loving Care, Compassion, Excellence, Innovation, Respect, Community, Empowerment, Purpose
Leadership Team
President & CEO
Director of Finance
Director of Development
Director of Programs
Administrative Team
- Kerri Bryant, Marketing and Communications
- Courtney Eoff, Events and Volunteers
- Mary Catherine Mousourakis, Philanthropy/Corporations
- Missy Naff, Development
- Leslie Rayfield, Operations and HR
- Mary Fran White, Digital Communications
Programming Team
- Maggie Bonga, Teacher Assistant
- Lexie Buchanan, SPED Teacher / Learning Lab
- Diana Couey, RN
- Mimi Creter, Lead Teacher, Art Lab
- Emma Fletcher, Lead Teacher, Ceramics
- Halle Harper, PATH Job Coach
- Hays Howard, PATH Employment Specialist
- Megan Lechner, Lead Teacher, Flex Program
- Peggy Oram, Lead Teacher, Life Skills
- Ed Porter, Nutrition Assistant
- Randy Price, Day Program Coordinator
- Kendall Rogers, Teacher Assistant
- Kellie Ryner, Teacher Assistant / Department Specialist
- Mikala Walkden, Lead Teacher, Consumables
- Cameron Williams, Lead Teacher, Packaging
- Lindsey Wommer, Vocational Coordinator
- Erika Woodard, Nutrition Coordinator
- Melissa Varga, Teacher Assistant
Residential Direct Support Team
- Ashley Garth, Residential Program Coordinator
- Barbra Alsberge
- Dean Arnold
- Amara Kallay
- Sheena Kelly
- Mekides Lakew
- Carmen Litteken
- Lisa May
- Carly Normandin
- Delana Potts
- Jim Rink
- Julieta Watson
- Crystal Werman
- Coach Ty White
Facilities and Transportation Team
- Roger Eicheldinger, Facilities & Maintenance Technician
- Billy Lovett, Transportation & Facilities Coordinator
- Brenda Mayes, Bus Driver / Assistant
- Terry Sinclair, Bus Driver
- Milton Wells, Bus Driver
Board of Directors
BrightStone’s Board of Directors provides vital oversight and operational guidance. We are extremely grateful for their commitment and dedication.
Officers
- President, Lee Rose, Chief Executive Officer, BrightStone
- Chairman, Mike Cairnes, CEO/President, JoyBridge Kids
- Vice Chair, Becky Harrell, CPA, Partner/Member, KraftCPAs PLLC (Retired)
- Secretary, Don Stinnett, HCA, Sr. V.P. and Controller (Retired)
- Treasurer, Jared King, CPA, KraftCPAs, PLLC
Directors
- Jessica Borne, Partner, Brinkley Borne Law
- Robert Carroll, Director of Engineering - Mid South, Hope Media Group
- Larry Cranch, Chief Legal Officer, AllianceBernstein, L.P. (Retired)
- John Dodd, Senior Partner, Blue Trust Advisors
- Tyler Eck, Consultant, Deloitte Consulting
- Sean Farrell, Strategic Advisor and Fractional CSO, Work Heartily
- Dr. Caroline Hillyard, Occupational Therapy
- Kent Holdcroft, Chief Growth Officer, HealthMine, Inc.
- Paul Jones, President, Solomon Builders Inc.
- Jim Lackey, Retired Healthcare Entrepreneur
- Colin Looney, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee
- Meghan Schneider, Director, Leadership & Organization Development, HCA
- Bob Speck, President/CEO, Blue Coast Burrito; President, Just Love Coffee
