Based in Dayton, Ohio, Functional Friends offers pediatric therapy, social groups, and special events to grow confidence and foster community.
Who we are
We are a therapy-driven community where children & young adults with special needs can grow, connect, and thrive.
our heartbeat
Our team of occupational and speech therapists creates fun, supportive programs that focus on building real-world skills, meaningful friendships, and confidence. Through social groups, vocational training, and inclusive activities, we help each individual discover their strengths while fostering belonging for both participants and their families.
showing up for our community:
Ashley is a board-certified occupational therapist, the Co-Founder and President of Functional Friends Foundation and the Co-Owner of Functional Friends Therapy Services. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from the University of Findlay and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wright State University.
Founder, Occupational Therapist (OTD, OTR/L)
Ashley Holland
Brooke is a board-certified occupational therapist, Co-Founder and CEO of Functional Friends Foundation and Co-Owner of Functional Friends Therapy Services. She holds a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree from Kettering College, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in Healthcare Management with a Pre-Occupational Therapy focus.
Founder, Occupational Therapist (OTD, OTR/L)
Brooke Malott
Meet The Founders:
Ashley and Brooke worked together as occupational therapists & shared a common dream.
our story
Throughout their work, they witnessed an unmet need for meaningful social experiences and genuine friendships within the special needs community and wanted to help solve that issue — so they took a leap of faith and founded Functional Friends Therapy Services. What began as private therapy sessions quickly expanded to include social groups designed to foster connection, confidence, and real-world skills. Recognizing the financial barriers many families faced in accessing these groups, they took the mission one step further by establishing Functional Friends Foundation, a nonprofit organization allowing these social opportunities to be offered for free.
Since its launch, Functional Friends has received overwhelming support and recognition. The organization has been nominated for the Dayton Business Journal’s Best Woman-Owned Business, its short film story has earned nominations for both a regional Emmy and a Telly Award, and it has been partnered with SouthBrook Church and selected as the focus of upcoming initiative to create inclusive environments that support their shared mission.
The Therapy Team:
Molly earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Miami University and has been a speech-language pathologist for 25 years. Throughout her career, she has primarily served preschool-aged children in the school setting and through early intervention programs, providing home-based services to support families during those important early years.
Speech and Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Kelsey is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist from Bellbrook, Ohio. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Dayton and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Cincinnati.
Speech and Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Kelsey Deitner
Molly Sautman
Director of Philanthropic partnerships
Community Engagement Coordinator
Kim Rose
Kim Rose
Val Winslow
Faces of the Foundation:
