About Us | The Dream Community

Located in Westlake Village, CA, Dream Community Center provides enrichment activities and classes focused on social recreation, skill development, and personal growth. Our staff are highly trained in positive behavioral supports, social emotional learning, and augmentative and alternative communication. Dream Community Center is led by Dr. Edlyn Peña, a Ph.D. level CEO with a rich history in disability advocacy.

Mission

Our mission is to empower teens and adults of all abilities by offering a nurturing environment that fosters...

Growth and Development: we believe every mind, body, and spirit deserves opportunities for life-long growth. All participants are capable of learning and have the right to engage in meaningful activities for personal development.

Community and Friendship: we believe in the importance of forging relationships and interactions among and across individuals in the community. We value community integration and participation.

Agency and Contribution: we tap into participants’ insights and expertise by prioritizing person-centered planning and self-determination. We collaborate with participants to meet their evolving needs and desires.

Purpose and Joy: a full and rich life requires a sense of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment, which leads to happiness. We value fun, enrichment, and playfulness. Our curriculum and activities will focus on the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

Meet the Team

Chief Executive Officer

Edlyn Peña, Ph.D.

For nearly 15 years, Dr. Peña has been highly involved in advocacy, research, and program coordination for the autism community. Dr. Peña is a Professor of Educational Leadership at California Lutheran University. She has sat on government and non-profit advisory boards that support disabled communities across the U.S. Her scholarship has resulted in over two dozen publications. Her pride and joy is her teenage son, Diego. As an autistic self-advocate, Diego’s need for communication support and inclusion inspired Dr. Peña to co-found the Autism and Communication Center at CLU, an incredible community resource that offers conferences, summer camps, college transition programs, professional development training opportunities, and social activities.

Chief Operating Officer

Henry Panah

Henry Panah is a dynamic entrepreneur with a history and proven track record in real estate and property development. Known for his keen attention to detail and a relentless growth mindset, Mr. Panah brings a wealth of experience to his work with DREAM Community Members. His dedication to exceptional customer service has earned him a reputation for building lasting relationships with individuals, small businesses, and corporations alike. Passionate about making a positive impact, Henry is especially committed to enhancing the lives of those in the autism community—supporting autistic children and adults, as well as their caregivers and service providers. Through his work, he strives to create opportunities that promote inclusion, empowerment, and a higher quality of life for all.

Mission

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Meet the Team