Today we’d like to introduce you to Harley Hillis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Harley Hillis, and I’m the Director of Programs at Possibility Place. My passion for serving individuals with disabilities began at home—my younger brother was born with 18q- Syndrome, and I grew up alongside my mom navigating therapies, services, and IEP meetings. That early experience shaped my path. I earned my undergraduate degree in Special Education from Middle Tennessee State University and spent five years teaching in the public school system. I then pursued my Master’s in Therapeutic Recreation at Temple University, which led me to work in a behavioral health hospital supporting individuals with dual diagnoses. Today, at Possibility Place, I get to combine all of those experiences into a role that truly feels like the perfect fit.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Personally, growing up alongside my brother, I saw firsthand how complex and emotional navigating services and supports can be—there were moments of frustration, uncertainty, and advocating just to be heard. Professionally, stepping into the field came with its own challenges. In the public school system, balancing the needs of students with limited resources and high expectations could be difficult. Later, working in behavioral health with individuals who had both mental health diagnoses and IDD was rewarding but also intense and emotionally demanding.
Even now in leadership, there are challenges, such as building programs that truly meet each individual’s needs, supporting families, and ensuring staff feel equipped and encouraged. But those struggles have shaped how I lead and advocate today, and they’re a big part of why I’m so passionate about the work.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Possibility Place is a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but at its core, it’s so much more than that. We focus on helping our “Pals” build meaningful, independent, and connected lives through vocational training, social development, life skills, and community engagement.
What really sets us apart is our intentional, relationship-driven approach. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model and everything we do is built around the individual. Whether it’s helping someone gain employment skills, grow in confidence socially, or simply find a sense of belonging, we meet each person where they are and walk alongside them.
We’re also known for creating opportunities that go beyond the walls of a traditional program. From community partnerships and volunteer work to events like our Night of Possibilities and inclusive activities like dance and music therapy, we’re constantly looking for ways to connect our Pals to the world around them in meaningful ways.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Possibility Place isn’t just providing care. We’re creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping individuals with disabilities live full, meaningful lives.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many meaningful ways to get involved with Possibility Place! We love partnering with local businesses and organizations to create opportunities for our Pals.
Individuals can support us by volunteering their time, attending or sponsoring events like our Night of Possibilities or annual golf scramble, or even simply helping us spread the word about what we do. We also welcome donations, which directly support programming, scholarships, and new opportunities for our Pals.
At the heart of it, collaboration is what makes Possibility Place special and we truly believe it takes a community to create opportunities. We’re always looking for people who want to be part of that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.possibilityplacetn.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/placeofpossibilities
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PossibilityPlace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PossibilityPlaceTN
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@possibilityplacetn
