Gwen Bartley
Founder & executive Director
Mom to five children, three of which came through foster care/adoption and have Brain Disorders. I am passionate about children’s Mental Health, the effects of Childhood Trauma, Intellectual Disabilities and Autism.
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, Medical Home Committee 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".
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.
Dawn Hincken
Integrated Care Navigator
My name is Dawn Hincken. I am Harry's wife of 17 years and mom to Cole (15) and Gray (11). We live in Cabarrus County with our dog Cappuccino and our cat Mocha. I enjoy exercising, shopping, socializing with friends, drinking coffee, listening to music, reading, and paddleboarding. I enjoy working as a navigator because it is a way for me to help families advocate for their special needs children.
Board of Directors
Kurt Bartley-President
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Mary Ann Fandyl-Secretary
Carie Bumbarger-Treasurer
Mary Ann Fandyl-Secretary
Education: B.S. Business Administration/Finance - Villanova University
Employment: After graduating college, I worked in private industry for 5 years. I then stayed home with my two young children for the next 12 years. I have been an EC Teacher Assistant for 15 years. For the past 10 years I have worked for Cabarrus County Schools in a
Education: B.S. Business Administration/Finance - Villanova University
Employment: After graduating college, I worked in private industry for 5 years. I then stayed home with my two young children for the next 12 years. I have been an EC Teacher Assistant for 15 years. For the past 10 years I have worked for Cabarrus County Schools in a self-contained AU classroom.
Family: My husband Robert and I have been married for 30 years. We have two adult children. I have lived in each corner of the United States and moved from California to Concord, NC 10 years ago.
I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful organization that through its outreach helps so many people.
Our Partners
