Tressie Seegers
Founder and Executive Director
Tressie Seegers was born in the Gulf Coast town of Freeport, TX and grew up in Lake Jackson, TX. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Texas at Tyler, TX in 2002 and graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health and Art Therapy from Edinboro University, Edinboro PA in 2018. Currently she continues to lead the Austin Harmony Project program and works as an LPC Intern and art therapist at the Austin Lakes Hospital inpatient program under the supervision of Alice "Bess" Green, LPC AT/S, ATR BC. (https://austinlakeshospital.com/).
A Glimmer of Hope's 2014
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Pat Alvarez
Volunteer Board President
Pat Alvarez is a mother of four. Her youngest son, Rudy, was born in 1993 with Downs syndrome. She has been active in the disability community since Rudy entered the public school system sixteen years ago. Rudy was one one of the charter participants in Harmony's programs in 2009. He immediately fell in love with the music program where he began playing the harmonica. As a young adult that's non-verbal, Rudy has found his voice through music. He still attends Harmony when he's on break from high school and during the summers. He's a faithful member of the Sweet Harmony Band and never misses a performance. Pat is happy for Rudy to be a part of such a wonderful program, and Harmony is happy to have Pat serve as a volunteer board member. She has been and continues to be a blessing as she helps lead Harmony into the future.
Pat is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking Class 2002 and has held appointments to The Rehabilitative Council of Texas; Child Care Commission, and Austin Commission for Women. Her professional career includes working with AISD as a Parent Support Specialist; Case Management / Supervisor with Austin Travis County Integral Care (MHMR); and currently Regional Coordinator for The Path Project (Parent Training Information Center). She is also a founding member of ALMA; a member of the UT Center for Disability Studies Advisory Council; member of Down syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) and a past volunteer for The Arc of the Capital Area. She has presented at various statewide conferences and published several articles relating to disabilities. Pat is bilingual and graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Edward’s University with a B.A. in Human Services and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management Class 2007. Pat's email address is: patspecialmom@aol.com
Pat is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking Class 2002 and has held appointments to The Rehabilitative Council of Texas; Child Care Commission, and Austin Commission for Women. Her professional career includes working with AISD as a Parent Support Specialist; Case Management / Supervisor with Austin Travis County Integral Care (MHMR); and currently Regional Coordinator for The Path Project (Parent Training Information Center). She is also a founding member of ALMA; a member of the UT Center for Disability Studies Advisory Council; member of Down syndrome Association of Central Texas (DSACT) and a past volunteer for The Arc of the Capital Area. She has presented at various statewide conferences and published several articles relating to disabilities. Pat is bilingual and graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. Edward’s University with a B.A. in Human Services and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management Class 2007. Pat's email address is: patspecialmom@aol.com
Mandy Holley
Volunteer Board Member
Mandi became involved with Harmony's programs after one of her clients started attending in 2010. As a certified Special Needs Life Coach, Mandi blesses the lives of adults with disabilities and their families by taking care of all their social needs. She helps families in relieving stress and pressure by dealing with the many agencies that provide services, schools, caregivers, and life planning to relieve the fear parents have about what will happen to their adult children with disabilities when they are gone. Mandi brings her clients to Harmony for special art & music sessions and volunteers at Harmony's fundraisers. She's a lovely person with a kind heart and always has a warm smile. She loves serving the needs of others as she takes her group on fun adventures all around Austin,TX. As a volunteer on Harmony's Board of Directors, she's dedicated to helping Harmony on its mission of enriching lives. She loves Harmony because it's one of the best programs she's ever seen that serves the needs of adults with disabilities. She's always buys Harmony art to support the artists and programs. She has a heart of gold and Harmony is proud to have her as a valued volunteer board member.
Mandi has an associates degree in Human Services and will graduate in May 2013 with a bachelors of psychology from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. She has been certified as a Special Needs Life Coach from Teri, Inc. Oceanside, California. She found her calling in life when she worked as a teacher's aide in the special education department at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. After 2 years, she transferred to a vocational program as a job coach where she assisted individuals ranging from 19-22 years navigate the community and find jobs. That job transitioned into starting her own company working with the same individuals privately. She serves the needs of 9 clients with disabilities by providing assistance with jobs, volunteering, social interactions, and provides respite care when the families need it. Mandy is a Special Olympics coach for a bowling and basketball team. Her patience and kindness serve this population and Harmony well.
Mandi has an associates degree in Human Services and will graduate in May 2013 with a bachelors of psychology from the University of Phoenix, Arizona. She has been certified as a Special Needs Life Coach from Teri, Inc. Oceanside, California. She found her calling in life when she worked as a teacher's aide in the special education department at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. After 2 years, she transferred to a vocational program as a job coach where she assisted individuals ranging from 19-22 years navigate the community and find jobs. That job transitioned into starting her own company working with the same individuals privately. She serves the needs of 9 clients with disabilities by providing assistance with jobs, volunteering, social interactions, and provides respite care when the families need it. Mandy is a Special Olympics coach for a bowling and basketball team. Her patience and kindness serve this population and Harmony well.
Duane Johnson
Advisory Board Member
Duane Johnson was born in Junction City, Kansas on October 11, 1968 and has lived in Kansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas. He has an Master's of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a concentration in printmaking.
His artwork has been included in over one hundred juried international and national exhibitions throughout the United States and is in several museum and university public art collections. Mr. Johnson has a home and studio south east of Austin, Texas.
He is co-owner of Johnson Brothers Productions, producers of “Arts Talk with the Johnson Brothers” internet radio program, “Arts Vu” a documentary series, “Duane’s World Shorts” an animated web series and is in pre-production on several other film and video productions.
Duane first met Tressie Seegers in 2000 at The University of Texas at Tyler where he worked as curator of The Meadows Gallery. They became friends through their mutual love of art. Duane helps lead the art program of Harmony by serving as a volunteer advisory board member. His talent and knowledge help ensure the art program continues to enrich lives and produce fine art.
His artwork has been included in over one hundred juried international and national exhibitions throughout the United States and is in several museum and university public art collections. Mr. Johnson has a home and studio south east of Austin, Texas.
He is co-owner of Johnson Brothers Productions, producers of “Arts Talk with the Johnson Brothers” internet radio program, “Arts Vu” a documentary series, “Duane’s World Shorts” an animated web series and is in pre-production on several other film and video productions.
Duane first met Tressie Seegers in 2000 at The University of Texas at Tyler where he worked as curator of The Meadows Gallery. They became friends through their mutual love of art. Duane helps lead the art program of Harmony by serving as a volunteer advisory board member. His talent and knowledge help ensure the art program continues to enrich lives and produce fine art.