Since 2015, the Harbin Family Foundation has proudly supported our employees by offering scholarship opportunities to their children. Over the years, nearly 200 scholarships have been awarded to students pursuing their academic goals in various fields. These scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who plan to continue their education, as well as to students already enrolled in a post-secondary institution. As the school year comes to an end and a new class of recipients prepare to be awarded, we want to take a moment to highlight the incredible accomplishments of former recipients.
Carla Martinez, daughter of Gerardo Martinez, is a graduate of the Stephens County High School Class of 2021. Following graduation, Carla enrolled at North Georgia Technical College, pursuing her Associate of Science in Nursing. She is set to graduate this May with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Alongside her studies, Carla also worked as a nurse extern, gaining valuable hands-on experience. While working, her heart was drawn to the operating room and she is currently interviewing for an OR position – an exciting step in her career goals!
Although Carla’s hard work ethic is key to her success, she credits her parents for always believing in her abilities, supporting her through challenges, and encouraging her to follow her dreams. She also credits her faith, stating God continues to open doors for her, providing so many opportunities along her educational journey. “Receiving the Harbin Scholarship has been such a blessing in my life,” Carla said, “It came at a time when I needed encouragement the most, and it reminded me that I was not alone in this journey… I am so thankful to be part of something that supports students like me. I hope my story can encourage others to keep pushing forward, even when the journey feels hard.”
Haley Sue Williams, daughter of Dennis Long, is a graduate of the Franklin County High School Class of 2013. Upon graduation, Haley Sue enrolled in the University of Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. After graduating with the UGA Class of 2017, she spent three years working at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. She now works as a contractor with Nurturing Notes Music therapy, a music therapy private practice.
In her current role, Haley Sue works in senior living communities and hospice settings, focusing her work on older adults with dementia. While pursuing her master’s degree in music therapy, her thesis explored the use of familiar music to help with Sundowning symptoms in individuals with dementia. Her dedication to the field is reflected in her professional credentials: Haley Sue Williams, MM, LPMT, MT-BC, NICU MT.
Haley Sue shared her passion for music therapy, explaining how she leads group and individual sessions by incorporating songs from her clients’ favorite artists – Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers, The Beatles, and Johnny Cash. Although it may seem like Haley Sue is only spending time singing with her clients, she does far more than that! She is able to decrease confusion and agitation, increase movement and communication, all while being on the lookout for social needs. When Haley Sue is working in hospice care, music therapy supports pain management, as well as helping clients navigate their end-of-life care.
“Working as a music therapist has been an incredible intersection of my passion for music and my passion for helping people,” Haley Sue shared. “Being able to study this field as an undergraduate, and more recently completing my master’s degree in music therapy as well, has given me so much insight into neurology, human nature, relationships, and how music is woven into nearly every aspect of life.”
The Harbin Family Foundation is proud to support the academic journeys of incredible individuals like Carla and Haley Sue, whose work will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the patients they serve.