Co-Founder /Program Director

Nikki’s path to advocacy for people with special needs began in 2007 when she became an Independent Living Coach, where she provided a wide array of direct services to developmentally disabled, learning challenged, and intellectually different individuals.

In that capacity, she witnessed a myriad of seemingly insurmountable obstacles facing these individuals. She saw the enormity of these challenges but also discovered that they can be overcome.

It was at this juncture that she realized she had to do more for the community. She found that the agency could only reach a limited number of people. In order to raise awareness of those with special needs to a much bigger audience, she would have to advocate for them on a much broader platform.

Nikki is born a New Yorker, then became a Floridian at age 14.  She relocated again recently; these days, she’s a Georgien.

Nikki was a Certified Housing Counselor, working for the Mayor of Opa- Locka, FL. She worked with low-income families and got them financially and credit ready for the First Time Homebuyers program.  In 2005, she worked as a mortgage underwriter for Bank of America in Tampa for over 19 years.

As Program Director, she currently manages the operations of Dream Young. She ensures that those in the community who are in need are in the know of what’s available to them. Their circle of support consists of government agencies, service providers, community resources, and family advocates.  She also co-hosts their podcast, The Dream Young Effect.

Nikki firmly believes that with the community standing by people with special needs, these individuals will live full, productive lives and can be happily ever after.

Co-Founder/Marketing Director

At age 12, Otis Young started selling candy in junior high. This was the beginning of what he was to be – the serial entrepreneur.

Then at 14, he was a rap artist performing to large audiences in Miami, Florida. His passion for music led him to start a music production company when he was 18. Along with four other childhood friends., they founded Landmark Entertainment Committee, the mother company of Iconz Music Group & Drum Majorz. They achieved nationwide success after releasing their first album on Elektra/Slip & Slide Records.

Otis continued to evolve, personally and professionally. He relocated to Tampa where he branched out to real estate. He also helped to launch At Your Request Plus in 2007, an agency that provides direct services to people with developmental disabilities.

Otis had the opportunity to work on the administrative side of the business. He handled bookkeeping, managed the billing system, hiring, overseeing annual audits, website design, and marketing.

In addition to those responsibilities, he personally worked as a Supported Living Coach providing direct services to consumers with developmental disabilities.   

Otis and his wife Nikki began to realize that there was a need to raise awareness and shine a light on the special needs community.  It’s not just the person with a disability who’s affected, the people who support them also are.

So, in 2010 Dream Young Arts & Media (DYAM) was born!

Currently, Otis still works with At Your Request Plus, flips houses, runs an online business and manages DYAM with his co-founder and wife Nikki.