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, physical, 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 both Functional Friends Therapy and the Functional Friends Foundation. 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.
Ashley is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to succeed in the activities that are most meaningful to them, whether those are things they want to do, need to do, or are expected to do. She brings extensive experience working with children across a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Down Syndrome, and sensory processing differences. Through Functional Friends, Ashley is dedicated to creating accessible opportunities for growth, inclusion, and meaningful connections for children and families.
Owner, Occupational Therapist (OTD, OTR/L)
Ashley Holland
Brooke is a board-certified occupational therapist, Co-Founder and CEO of both Functional Friends Therapy and Functional Friends Foundation. 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.
Her passion lies in helping individuals gain greater independence and supporting them in engaging meaningfully in the activities that matter most — whether at home, in school, or in the community. Brooke has extensive experience working with children and young adults across a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Developmental Delays. Through Functional Friends, Brooke is committed to creating inclusive, therapy-driven programs that blend clinical expertise with real-world connection, empowering her clients and their families every step of the way.
Owner, Occupational Therapist (OTD, OTR/L)
Brooke Malott
Meet The Owners:
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.
Brooke is a board-certified occupational therapist who holds a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree from the University of Cincinnati, along with a minor in Psychology. Before earning her MOT, she gained valuable clinical experience working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Brooke has worked with a wide range of individuals, from adults in trauma and critical care to children with diverse needs, including Autism, Down Syndrome, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Feeding Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, and sensory processing challenges.
Occupational Therapist (MOT, OTR/L)
Brooke Thompson
Ashley is a Speech-Language Pathologist based in Englewood, where she lives with her soon-to-be husband and their golden doodle, Betty. She earned both her bachelor’s and master‘s degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Bowling Green State University and is a proud graduate of Northmont High School.
Ashley has a special interest in leading social groups and supporting young adults as they work toward greater independence and communication in daily life. She strives to create a supportive, engaging environment that empowers her clients to build confidence and meaningful connections.
Speech and Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Ashley Singer
Meet The 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. She currently works full-time at Springboro City Schools, where she is passionate about helping young learners build strong communication skills and confidence.
Outside of work, she is married and a proud mom of three children. Her oldest daughter is pursuing her doctorate in occupational therapy at Xavier University, her middle daughter is a nursing major at Miami University, and her son is in the seventh grade.
Speech and Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Molly Sautman
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.
Kelsey is passionate about supporting elementary-aged children as they develop independence, build meaningful friendships, and strengthen their social communication skills. She is committed to fostering a sense of connection not only for the clients she serves, but also for their families—creating a supportive community that extends beyond therapy sessions.
Speech and Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Kelsey Deitner
Kim has a passion for creating welcoming spaces for families of children with special needs to connect, build friendships, and feel supported. As a parent currently raising a child with a disability, she brings deep empathy and personal understanding to her role.
Kim has spent years supporting children and families. She previously taught preschool and has worked as a paraprofessional, supporting students with special needs in the school setting. She also ran a social media community and blog offering support, encouragement, and connection for women navigating pregnancy and infant loss. After spending nearly a decade moving around the country as a military spouse, Kim and her family are happy to have put down roots in Ohio.
Community Engagement Coordinator
