Every Life Has A Purpose
We Are...
For families and children who are struggling with the challenges of Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Mental Health/Illness Disorders, Childhood Trauma, Substance Use Disorder and other Neurological Disorders; we provide navigation and support, that greatly improves the quality of life for all, Amazing Grace Advocacy is a place for families to find hope and success.
Our Staff and Board of Directors all have one thing in common; we are raising or working directly with children that have Brain Disorders. Each of us bring a unique skill set of experience and expertise to Amazing Grace Advocacy with a passion to bring hope and success to your family, along with the compassion and knowledge of how difficult and challenging daily life can be.
Working in Cabarrus County and the surrounding counties since 2015 has enabled us to develop a robust network of providers, community supports and school district relationships which gives us the ability to deliver action to improve your challenges and develop a sustainable plan for long term success for your child.
Our Vision
Is to have full wrap around services for all children and families that are affected by Brain Disorders that are easily accessible and affordable.
We are constantly evolving and training to achieve our vision. The Amazing Grace Advocacy Family welcomes all parents, children and community members to help us grow!
Amazing Grace Advocacy Staff
Gwen Bartley Founder & Executive Director
Mom to five children, three of which came through foster care/adoption and have Brain Disorders.
I founded Amazing Grace Advocacy with a vow to help other families navigate the complex systems that serve our children. My children have a dual diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disabilities; they were stuck in limbo between these two systems. In devoting a lot of time to fight for services, we were able to achieve what was needed for their care and success. I share my experiences and compassion in achieving peace and quality of life for other families raising complex children.
In Cabarrus County, I serve as Chairperson for: System of Care Collaborative, Innovative Approaches, and Mental Health Task Force/Advisory Board.
I serve on the Board of Directors for: Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) and Families in Recovery.
At the State Level, I am a member of the Children and Youth Branch Family Partner at the Division of Public Health and Family Engagement Member in the State Systematic Improvement Plan with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Nationally, I am active with the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP).
My greatest accomplishment is being "Mom".
My Five Children a Decade Ago
In the Midst of Chaos, faith guided us to finding solutions
We've Grown and Found Purpose
Every Life Has A Purpose and we are Rocking Ours!
Melissa Guinn- Integrated Care Navigator
I'm Melissa Guinn! I have been married to my husband, Steve, for over 20 years.
We have a daughter, named Caroline, who has Mild to Moderate ID/D.
I love being a Navigator because we have been through many trials as we have walked this road with Caroline.
It is an honor to have the chance to use what we have learned to help families find their way. I fully believe that God
does not waste things that He allows in our lives, but uses them to help us see Him more clearly and to help us know how to love others.
It is my hope that I can help other families to see that they are not alone and that there are people who care about them and their children!
It is an honor to work for Amazing Grace Advocacy!
Rene Smith- Trauma Coach and Integrated Care Navigator
Rene Smith is a certified Life, Health and Trauma Coach who specializes in helping our clients overcome trauma in a matter of months rather than years, so that they can once again live purposeful, joy-filled lives, while honoring their past. Having overcome and healed from life-altering losses of her own, she uses the tools given to her so she can help others do the same. She and Matthew have been married for 2 years and have 4 children together.
Jen Marshall-Integrated Care Navigator
Hello, my name is Jen Marshall. I am a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Psychology and Communications. My husband and I have lived in Charlotte, NC area for 15 years. We have two wonderful children who are now 19 and 15 years old. My oldest is a sophomore at Virginia Tech and my youngest is fifteen. I am a Human Resources professional by trade. After having my children, I hung up my hat in corporate America to stay home and be a full time Mom.
In an attempt to supplement my husband's salary and give myself an outlet, I spent several years teaching preschool, substitute teaching and hosting an after school child care program.
My son was diagnosed with Cerebal Palsy and Autism shortly after he was born and I knew my decision to have a flexible work schedule would allow me to focus on his needs and services.
Since 2005, I have been an advocate for his well being. It has led me on a journey seeking the very best resources available for children with individual needs. I have learned a lot along the way and I love sharing what I have gained with others in similar situations. Everything is a process!
Getting direction to get that process started is something I can now assist other families with reagarding psychological referrals,school selection, IEP review, counseling services, CAP/C Waiver requirements , Medicaid , trauma management and much more.
Beth Downs-School support Specialist
Beth Downs is a Retired Teacher from Cabarrus County Schools; where she worked with the Behavioral Focus Students.
Board of Directors
Kurt Bartley-President
Carie Bumbarger-VP of Fundraising
Carie Bumbarger-VP of Fundraising
Hailing from Ohio, I came to Concord North Carolina in 2007 to pursue a career in NASCAR. I enjoyed a decade of racing with Roush Fenway and Front Row Motorsports. The instability of racing led me to work in the Plumbing Industry.
I enjoy handyman work, meeting great people and working with individuals that have Special Needs.
Accomplis
Hailing from Ohio, I came to Concord North Carolina in 2007 to pursue a career in NASCAR. I enjoyed a decade of racing with Roush Fenway and Front Row Motorsports. The instability of racing led me to work in the Plumbing Industry.
I enjoy handyman work, meeting great people and working with individuals that have Special Needs.
Accomplishments in my life have included: Rank of Eagle Scout, Air Force Veteran, National Guard Veteran, Volunteer Fireman and most important of all, Dad to eight kids.
My wife and I founded the Non-Profit Amazing Grace Advocacy in 2015 as a result of barriers in services for our two adopted children with Special Needs.
Bringing my love for home improvement and desire to support the Special Needs Community has come together as Amazing Grace Maintenance & Repair.
Carie Bumbarger-VP of Fundraising
Carie Bumbarger-VP of Fundraising
Carie Bumbarger-VP of Fundraising
Bill Peterson-Treasurer
Bill Peterson-Treasurer
Bill Peterson-Treasurer
Aly Luna-Secretary
Bill Peterson-Treasurer
Bill Peterson-Treasurer
Mother of four children, all of whom have their own special health needs, including autism, epilepsy, learning disabilities and a rare brain malformation named Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia, which often affects other body systems as well.
I began my education in Occupational Therapy (OT), but decided to transition into a degree in
Mother of four children, all of whom have their own special health needs, including autism, epilepsy, learning disabilities and a rare brain malformation named Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia, which often affects other body systems as well.
I began my education in Occupational Therapy (OT), but decided to transition into a degree in Healthcare Management with a focus in Long Term Care; So even before becoming a parent with lived experience, I was able to work in various settings and see the operational side of healthcare. I have worked with families affected by Traumatic Brain Injuries, providing in home respite and supporting their OT’s goals and Activities of Daily Living. I have been the Business Director of an assisted living home, providing management not only to the home, but also the home healthcare agency that we oversaw. In addition, I have worked for the corporate office of a local hospital system, providing support to struggling offices.
My passion lies in bridging the gap between families and professionals. I believe most of us have the very best intentions at heart, although coming from different backgrounds with varying emotions and experiences, it can be difficult to navigate at times. Furthermore, I am passionate about equity in healthcare settings. Having life experience as a single mother and a married mother, in a family blended not only by marriage but also by race and economic background, I believe that all families are deserving of access to meaningful healthcare and related services.
Over the last few years, I have been fortunate to collaborate with various health organizations on the international, national and statewide levels. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to help support families locally, right in our community where we live, work and play everyday!
Community Collaboratives & Resources
Cabarrus County Collaboratives
Amazing Grace Advocacy is active in: Cabarrus County Mental Health Task Force/Advisory Board, Cabarrus Innovative Approaches Initiative and System of Care to advocate and be a voice for families and children.
North Carolina Advocacy
Executive Director, Gwen Bartley is a Branch Family Partner at the Division of Public Health (DPH) Children & Youth Branch and a Family Partner at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the EC Division.
DPH State Resource Website for Special Needs
DPI State Resource for Exceptional Children
ECAC-Exceptional Children's Assistance Center
Executive Director, Gwen Bartley is a Board Member for the ECAC. Amazing Grace Advocacy partners with the ECAC to bring additional resources and education to families and students.
Families in Recovery Ministries
Amazing Grace Advocacy partners with Families in Recovery Ministries to support families dealing with Substance Use Disorders.