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COMING SOON!

was founded in 2015 by a group of concerned parents who felt their autistic children needed specialized instruction to thrive. Lionheart Academy of the Triad provides an educational environment to promote independence by fostering a growth mindset in the areas of academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development for diploma-seeking, neurodiverse students with (formerly high-functioning) level 1 or level 2 autism. We explicitly teach and model our Core Values.

Lionheart Academy offers a standard diploma program that fosters transition to a college setting as well as an occupational course of study diploma that readies students for the workforce or community college certifications. Our program focuses on career readiness and social skills to ensure that individuals are positioned to transition to live their most independent lives. All of our students intern to provide them with workplace experience. We work with local businesses to provide job training to our students. Our adult transition program, C.R.E.W., provides postsecondary life coaching, career readiness, professional development, and life skills training.  We provide an environment that is neurodiversity-affirming and defies neuro-normative expectations to allow our students to thrive, learn about themselves, and develop self-advocacy skills.

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.