Harmony's Founder & Executive Director
Tressie Seegers, LPC, ATR, is the founder and executive director of Harmony. It started in a rented classroom during the summer of 2009 with 10 clients and bloomed into a thriving program that has enriched the lives of thousands of people with IDD and their families. It could not have happened without the support of the community, donors, foundations and fundraising efforts of many. Harmony is the true meaning of grass roots grown out of a dream. An idea. And a desire to make a difference in the lives of this marginalized population that face extreme shortages in services. The recipe is simple: art, music, community, love. The dedication comes from loving this population and wanting to make their lives better by creating space for a thriving ecosystem to develop.
A Note From Tressie:
I've always been drawn to working with people with IDD because of the unconditional love and acceptance they show to everyone. We have a lot to learn from them. Early on in working with this population more than 20 years ago, I witnessed how art and music uplifted moods and created a supportive environment where everyone belongs. Each person brings their own unique self. The population we serve is beautifully diverse and inclusive. It's amazing what happens when you create an atmosphere of acceptance and celebrate each one's abilities. Too often, our clients experience being ‘othered’ by society. I created Harmony to give this population a fun and enriching place where they 100% belong. It has enriched my life in countless ways and I will always be grateful to those that have helped in the past and continue to help keep Harmony going. Love in action.
Tressie Seegers is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), registered art therapist (ATR) and EMDR trained in private practice in Austin, TX.
A Note From Tressie:
I've always been drawn to working with people with IDD because of the unconditional love and acceptance they show to everyone. We have a lot to learn from them. Early on in working with this population more than 20 years ago, I witnessed how art and music uplifted moods and created a supportive environment where everyone belongs. Each person brings their own unique self. The population we serve is beautifully diverse and inclusive. It's amazing what happens when you create an atmosphere of acceptance and celebrate each one's abilities. Too often, our clients experience being ‘othered’ by society. I created Harmony to give this population a fun and enriching place where they 100% belong. It has enriched my life in countless ways and I will always be grateful to those that have helped in the past and continue to help keep Harmony going. Love in action.
Tressie Seegers is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), registered art therapist (ATR) and EMDR trained in private practice in Austin, TX.
The Dream for Harmony Began in 2004
In 2004, while working in the Tyler Independent School District’s life skills department, Tressie noticed a significant lack of opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to participate in art and music classes. It was then that she first envisioned creating a program where individuals with developmental disabilities could express themselves artistically and be celebrated for their unique talents and neurodivergent abilities.
Determined to make this dream a reality, Tressie began researching and developing an inclusive program where this often-marginalized community could create art, engage in musical activities, and experience a sense of belonging. After relocating to Austin, TX, in 2006, she continued working with students with IDD in the Austin Independent School District, further shaping her vision.
By May 2009, as summer approached, she realized that many of the students she worked with had few options for inclusive summer camps. The moment was right—after years of planning, she was ready to bring her vision to life. Renting three classrooms at the South Austin high school where she worked, she launched Harmony, using her own art supplies and music equipment. The program came together like alchemy, filling a critical gap in the community by offering enriching, inclusive experiences for individuals with IDD. That first summer was one of the most rewarding and joyful times of her life—creating something out of nothing but a dream. The response from the community was overwhelming, and Harmony was off to an incredible start.
In 2010, Tressie established Harmony as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The following year, she was awarded a seed money grant from A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, allowing her to expand Harmony’s reach and impact even more.
What began in a remodeled meat department of a repurposed grocery store soon grew into a vibrant 2,000-square-foot space, complete with a stage—an ideal home for Harmony's new art and music studios. For the next 13 years, this space became a hub of creativity and connection, hosting concerts, carnivals, art shows, music classes, and counseling services for the community.
Throughout this journey, Harmony thrived because of the unwavering support of the community. Their love and generosity fueled fundraisers, music events, and art showcases, ensuring that Harmony could continue serving those who needed it most. Without them, this dream would not have become the thriving, life-enriching program it is today.
Since its inception in 2009, Harmony has enriched the lives of thousands of individuals with IDD and strives to continue doing so for generations to come. As a vulnerable part of our society, they rely on those who recognize their value and advocate for their happiness.
Today, Harmony continues its mission through pop-up events and dances, partnering with Imagine Arts in Austin, TX. More than 20 years since its inception, the dream remains alive—to serve the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure they feel seen, loved, and valued.
Determined to make this dream a reality, Tressie began researching and developing an inclusive program where this often-marginalized community could create art, engage in musical activities, and experience a sense of belonging. After relocating to Austin, TX, in 2006, she continued working with students with IDD in the Austin Independent School District, further shaping her vision.
By May 2009, as summer approached, she realized that many of the students she worked with had few options for inclusive summer camps. The moment was right—after years of planning, she was ready to bring her vision to life. Renting three classrooms at the South Austin high school where she worked, she launched Harmony, using her own art supplies and music equipment. The program came together like alchemy, filling a critical gap in the community by offering enriching, inclusive experiences for individuals with IDD. That first summer was one of the most rewarding and joyful times of her life—creating something out of nothing but a dream. The response from the community was overwhelming, and Harmony was off to an incredible start.
In 2010, Tressie established Harmony as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The following year, she was awarded a seed money grant from A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, allowing her to expand Harmony’s reach and impact even more.
What began in a remodeled meat department of a repurposed grocery store soon grew into a vibrant 2,000-square-foot space, complete with a stage—an ideal home for Harmony's new art and music studios. For the next 13 years, this space became a hub of creativity and connection, hosting concerts, carnivals, art shows, music classes, and counseling services for the community.
Throughout this journey, Harmony thrived because of the unwavering support of the community. Their love and generosity fueled fundraisers, music events, and art showcases, ensuring that Harmony could continue serving those who needed it most. Without them, this dream would not have become the thriving, life-enriching program it is today.
Since its inception in 2009, Harmony has enriched the lives of thousands of individuals with IDD and strives to continue doing so for generations to come. As a vulnerable part of our society, they rely on those who recognize their value and advocate for their happiness.
Today, Harmony continues its mission through pop-up events and dances, partnering with Imagine Arts in Austin, TX. More than 20 years since its inception, the dream remains alive—to serve the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure they feel seen, loved, and valued.
In 2014, A Glimmer of Hope awarded Tressie with the Angel in the Community Award
Pictured above, left to right: David Porter, Philip Berber, Tressie Seegers, Donna Berber & Royce Dennis
Pictured above, left to right: David Porter, Philip Berber, Tressie Seegers, Donna Berber & Royce Dennis
Tressie was named Recognize Good's Sept 2014 Legend