ABOUT US
The purpose of Harmony Heroes is:
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to support caregivers in their quest to successfully teach and nurture our loved ones to develop new skills and enjoy life
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to enhance the well-being of the caregivers
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to provide an incentive program to acknowledge our caregivers' efforts in their care of our individuals
Founded in 2016, Dr. Richard Carpenter brought a group of mothers together who shared a strong common bond. The team quickly realized the critical difference heroic caregivers make in the lives of individuals with disabilities. These caregivers are rarely recognized and are often under-compensated and underappreciated for the valuable service they provide.
Our Heroes go out of their way to ensure our loved ones lead joyful, active, and fulfilling lives and that they are treated with respect and dignity. Harmony Heroes is dedicated to showing our appreciation and support to these amazing individuals.
OUR BOARD
Carol Unger’s son is Matthew, who has a rare syndrome called WAGR. Caregivers have worked with Matt to make him as independent as possible: teaching him how to travel throughout Atlanta, finding him employment, and teaching him and his family the importance of living outside of his home and becoming an active participant in the community.
Carol Cuviello is mom to Anna Grace, a young adult who has been diagnosed since a very early age with epilepsy, Aspergers Syndrome and developmental delay. Carol has a strong desire to reward caregivers who go the extra mile in the way they coach, nurture and encourage Anna and others to become the best in their journey to a more independent life.
Dale Dyer is mom to Kelly who has Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC); a rare congenital disorder often resulting in developmental disabilities. Through the patience, dedication, and kindness of many caregivers, Kelly continues to develop vocational as well as daily living skills.
Phyllis is a former classroom teacher, wife to Jim and mother to Kara and Justin. Justin passed away at age 34 years. He was diagnosed at eight months with Choreoathetoid Cerebral Palsy: simply means, disorganized, uncontrolled movement. Justin's voice came through pictures and yes-no questions. He had no self-help ability and faced many challenges daily more often than not with a smile on his face. Over the past years, it had taken many hands to make this "joy" light.
Rick Carpenter is a physician who cares for developmentally disabled patients. Over the years, he has been inspired by the dedication, commitment, courage and kindness of his patient's families and caregivers. He believes that team work and supportive communities are required to allow his patients to flourish.
Sue McManus is a mom to Jessica, Nathan, and Megan. Jessica and Nathan were adopted from Paraguay and were both identified as special needs at an early age. Nathan is autistic with oppositional defiance disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD, and bipolar diagnoses. Jessica is autistic with significant developmental delays.
Why do we work with Harmony Heroes?
Carol Unger
Harmony Heroes has been established to give parents and individuals an opportunity to thank those caregivers that give it their all to ensure that individuals like my son Matt can succeed and lead happy, productive lives.
Carol Cuviello
I feel privileged to work with the Harmony Heroes team to make a difference in caregivers' lives who each and every day make a difference in the lives of special needs individuals.
Dale Dyer
I am grateful to be a part of Harmony Heroes, and I look forward to seeing many wonderful caregivers being honored.
Phyllis Kempthorne
I comprehend the heart necessary and the extra miles caregivers choose to walk for so little in return monetarily. Thus, Harmony Heroes has my attention and commitment to say an extra "Thank you" to the special people who encourage, nurture and care for our population.
Rick Carpenter
I am delighted to work with the talented individuals at Harmony Heroes to celebrate and honor the extraordinary efforts of outstanding caregivers.
Sue McManus
I am happy to be a part of Harmony Heroes, because I feel heroic caregivers should be recognized for the tremendous positive difference they make in the lives of those they serve. These heroes are a light to the individuals they serve enabling them to live happier fuller lives.