Breckenridge Village is a caring residential community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
Our Story
When Robert and Jean Breckenridge discovered that their youngest of two sons, Jimmy, had Downs Syndrome, they began to speculate about the future. Jimmy would never be able to live on his own or take care of himself. How could they ensure he’d be safe and cared for when they were gone? They also began to think about all the other parents who were facing the same dilemma. Was there a way to help not only Jimmy, but some of the other children as well?
Robert and Jean began to dream of creating a home for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities – one that was faith-based and provided a warm community of care for those that needed protection when their families could no longer care for them. Together, they purchased 78 acres near their home in Tyler, Texas to serve as the future site of the residential community they dreamed of. Then, without warning, the family lost both Robert Sr. and Robert Jr. in a short amount of time. Jean was overwhelmed with loss and heartbreak. Even in the aftermath of her tragic loss, Mrs. Jean would not let their dream die. Her tenacity and strong will would not let her give up, and she approached Green Acres Baptist Church about the possibility of building a home for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Dr. David Dykes then introduced Mrs. Jean to Mr. Kevin Dinnin, President and CEO of BCFS. Kevin was inspired by her vision and passion to make her dream a reality. Mrs. Jean contributed her land, and under the leadership of Mr. Dinnin and the partnership of the Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders (TBM), Breckenridge Village opened its doors to house adults with developmental disabilities in April of 1998. Thanks to Mrs. Jean’s gift of love, BCFS, and TBM, the Breckenridge family’s vision became a reality. Through a very generous donation from the Rogers Foundation, consisting of board members Dr. Paul Powell, Sheryl Palmer, and Robyn Rogers, the addition of the beautiful Robert M. Rogers Chapel to the Breckenridge Village campus was dedicated in April of 2000.
This chapel was given to honor the life of Mr. Robert M. Rogers. Breckenridge Village has provided services to hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities, all of whom had families who were at a loss to take care of them. Breckenridge Village continues to be a beacon of hope to families from across our state and beyond.
A Letter from the President
At Breckenridge Village, our purpose is to reflect God’s love by creating a nurturing, supportive, and empowering environment where every resident and day program participant is valued, respected, and encouraged to live with dignity and purpose. Rooted in faith, we believe every person is created with unique gifts and talents, and it is our mission to help them discover and develop those God-given abilities.
Our work is guided by four core values that define our purpose, inspire our actions, and reflect our faith-based approach:
- Love God — Our faith is the foundation of everything we do. We seek to honor God through our service, compassion, and care.
- Value People — Every person is created in God’s image and is worthy of love, dignity, and respect. We recognize and celebrate the unique gifts of each resident, participant, and staff member.
- Care Passionately — We approach our work with heart, empathy, and dedication, going beyond basic care to support the growth, well-being, and joy of each individual.
- Work Together — We believe in the power of community. By working together with families, staff, donors, and community partners, we create a space where everyone can thrive.
Our Commitment:
We are committed to upholding these values through every aspect of our work. This commitment drives us to provide personalized care, encourage independence, and create opportunities for growth, learning, and joy. Every program, every interaction, and every goal is designed to uplift and support each person as they pursue their unique path.
We are dedicated to:
- Honoring Dignity and Respect — Every individual deserves compassion, dignity, and respect. We seek to uphold these principles in every interaction and decision we make.
- Fostering Growth and Development — We believe that growth and learning are lifelong journeys. Our programs are designed to help residents and participants develop life skills, build confidence, and grow in independence.
- Creating a Community of Belonging — Breckenridge Village is more than a place to live or spend the day. It is a community built on faith, love, and acceptance, where everyone is seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.
Through the support of families, the dedication of staff, and the generosity of donors, Breckenridge Village continues to grow and evolve. Together, we create a community where compassion, purpose, and hope flourish. Every day, we are honored to walk alongside our residents and participants as they pursue their goals, discover their potential, and live with joy and fulfillment.
This is our mission. This is our calling. We are building a community of compassion, hope, and opportunity.
With gratitude and faith,
Melissa Perkins
President, Breckenridge Village
Administration
Brian Potter
Vice President of Operations
Brian Potter
Vice President of Operations
Brian comes to Breckenridge Village with a wealth of experience in mental health, education, and ministry. Most recently, he served as a Mental Health and Student Support Specialist at Region 7 ESC Head Start, supporting the behavioral and mental health needs of over 700 students across multiple districts and introducing innovative approaches that inspired others.
At Breckenridge Village, Brian oversees critical operational programs, ensuring our Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IID) and Day Habilitation and Residential Programs remain compliant and effective. He supervises our Medicaid activities, lead personnel management, and provides direction to our Admissions Team. His focus is to ensure that every action taken keeps in mind the people we are privileged to serve.
Personally, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, traveling and having adventures as a family. He is inspired to live by Micah 6:8, “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly,” and believes that all of life is about relationships.
Cassi Velasco
Vice President of Public Relations
Cassi Velasco
Vice President of Public Relations
Cassi was born and raised in East Texas and graduated from The University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She strengthened her experience as a communicator through various marketing positions at Tyler Junior College and went on to work as Marketing Manager at CWJ Strategies. In this dynamic role, she gained diverse experience in community engagement, political campaigning, fundraising, digital marketing, and business strategy.
Guided by one of her life verses found in Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” Cassi was led to combine her faith and professional experience to take on the role as Director of Community Relations for Breckenridge Village. She works to strengthen the connection between Breckenridge Village and the greater East Texas community while advocating for a dignified and abundant life for all.
Cassi is a proud member of Leadership Tyler Class 36 (best class ever!). Cassi is active in serving at Grace Community Church, where she volunteers as a worship leader and in the college ministry alongside her husband, Jake.
(903) 705-5165
cv3550@BreckenridgeVillage.com
Alex Fruth
Vice President of Advancement
Alex Fruth
Vice President of Advancement
Alex began his career as a Residential Operations Manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He has experience working in mental health, youth development, and food banking, along with over 6.5 years in fundraising. Alex holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. He is thrilled to bring his fundraising and relationship-building expertise to Breckenridge Village, returning to his passion for serving adults with IDD.
Alex serves on the boards of First Tee of Greater Tyler, South Tyler Rotary Club, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, traveling, cooking, and grilling, and treasures time with his family. He and his wife, Katie, lead a young adult connect group and are active in leadership at Green Acres Baptist Church. A proud husband and father, Alex finds joy in seeing the world through his daughter’s eyes.
(903) 817-9378
af5444@BreckenridgeVillage.com
Rachel Parker
Director of Service Continuity
Rachel Parker
Director of Service Continuity
Rachel grew up in Lindale, Texas. She received her associate degree in social work from Tyler Junior College and her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Texas at Tyler. She felt a calling from the Lord to work with the special need population from a young age due to helping care for her two brothers with IDD. She spent her summers serving individuals with IDD at a local school district and summer camps since 2006. In 2013 she found out about Breckenridge Village and knew this is where she felt called to be. She has served in many capacities here from part-time direct care staff to house manager, to day program group leader, and currently serves as the day program coordinator. She plans and manages the activities for the day program as well as being the case manager for the community participants. When not working, she enjoys time with her family, friends and finding different creative outlets.
Nicole Martin
Director of Residential Staffing
Nicole Martin
Director of Residential Staffing
Nicole’s interest in mental health began at a young age, which led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UT Tyler.
Nicole started her career as a Service Coordinator at Andrew’s Center, where she had the opportunity to serve the IDD population for five years. She then joined Breckenridge Village in August 2020 as a Day Program staff member and later transitioned to become a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) in 2022. As a QIDP, Nicole advocates for our residents’ best interests and collaborates with families and their teams to create plans that achieve each resident’s individual goals through active treatments.
In addition to her work at Breckenridge Village, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her two sons. She has been a scout leader for the past five years, and she loves volunteering and giving back to the community, with her favorite event being “Day of Caring,” which she has participated in for ten years. Nicole also loves traveling and being outdoors.
Brad Ezell
Director of Facilities
Brad Ezell
Director of Facilities
Bobbie Wyman
Director of Nursing
Bobbie Wyman
Director of Nursing
Bobbie is a registered nurse with a BSN from TCU and many years of experience in ICF nursing. She was the ICF/IID program nurse for the LMHA in Tyler for over 10 years. Through that experience, she developed a love and passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting them as they learn, grow and experience life. She is extremely excited for the opportunity to be part of the team ensuring that the residents at BVT’s healthcare needs are fulfilled.
In her personal life, she is married to a supportive husband who keeps her laughing and mother to a daughter and son in their twenties, six bonus children, two grands, a fluffy Pomeranian, and giant Golden Retriever/Labrador mix puppy. Bobbie values compassion and service to others and believes that faith and gratitude are key to living healthy and courageous lives.
Dr. Clinton Fox
Medical Director
Dr. Clinton Fox
Medical Director
Dr. Clinton W. Fox is a family medicine doctor and serves as the Medical Director for Breckenridge Village. He received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. Dr. Clinton W. Fox has expertise in treating chronic diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, bronchitis, among other conditions. Dr. Fox is responsible for overseeing the team of nurses and non-medical staff regarding resident medical care. Dr. Fox develops and reviews medical protocols to align with regulations and current practices.
Madeline Dombach
Event and Marketing Specialist
Madeline Dombach
Event and Marketing Specialist
Madeline is the new Event and Marketing Specialist at Breckenridge Village, where she combines her passion for working with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with her love for the events world. Madeline graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in University Studies Business, alongside minors in Communications and Recreation Parks and Tourism Sciences. She also earned a Professional Event Management Certificate.
Before joining Breckenridge Village, Madeline worked as an Artisan Supervisor at The BEE Community in Bryan, Texas, a place dedicated to providing meaningful work and a sense of belonging for adults with IDD. In this role, she supervised and managed daily enterprise processes, ensuring that individualized adaptations were implemented to produce high-quality products.
Outside of her professional life, Madeline is a volunteer leader with Tyler Young Life. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Josiah, baking, going on walks, and engaging in various crafts, such as pressing flowers. Madeline is excited to continue her journey in the event and marketing field while making a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD.