WHO WE ARE
“We” are a fun-loving scientist turned storyteller, caregiver and caregivers’ caregiver.
Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Harmon is a scientist turned storyteller, caregiver & founder of Village Company 360, which exists to inspire wonderful places to grow up & grow old by fostering care communities & care economies for & by neighbors.
A graduate of MIT and The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Mary-Elizabeth left the laboratory as a virus researcher and worked as a science advisor at Greenpeace. From there, she joined the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, first at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and later in the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
In OIG, Mary-Elizabeth evaluated programs and wrote data-driven stories (i.e., reports) for their improvement for Congress, including a compelling account of Medicare home health fraud that prompted regulatory changes and several indictments. For this and other work, she is a two-time winner of the IG’s Exceptional Achievement Award.
Through Village Company 360, Mary-Elizabeth is mixing her love for storytelling with wisdom she gained as an analyst, environmentalist, caregiver and community builder to work with partners to grow the ranks of village makers and supporters, and to create ways to connect neighbors of all ages to each other and to convenient medical care.
A Michigander who grew up in Kenya, Mary-Elizabeth has been making informal villages since returning to the U.S. for college. Her mother dubbed her The Caregivers’ Caregiver for providing emotional, administrative and home remedy support to aides who helped her take care of her father who had dementia.
Learn More:
What this is about :: Why it’s time :: What we do
What we believe :: How this is different :: How this started
Kind words to & about Mary-Elizabeth:
I just want to thank you for being such a good neighbor while we were in the Curve building. I remember you ringing our bell to check on us, bringing us gifts for special occasions and spending time out with us. Bringing your mom downstairs and spending time with us. We love all of that and miss you all. I still have my hidden words book, our puzzle, our board game and the three little hippos from Kenya.
You are truly a kind and generous person.
I love you.
Lena Betmbe, 7 years old
Mary’s father was my client when I worked at a hospice company in Chicago. We became friends and have stayed in touch for years. I called Mary to help me process my feelings when I was having a hard time when my father was put on hospice.
L.C., Hospice CNA
Miss Mary-Elizabeth is not only a neighbor but a good friend as well. She’s kind, trustworthy, thoughtful and goes beyond to make you feel special. It’s the little things like bring treats for our dog Milo to gifting my son on his birthday and Christmas every year. She makes a bigger impact than she realizes. We love to have Miss Mary as a neighbor and a part in our lives.
Jessica
I met Mary-Elizabeth when my wife and I moved into downtown Atlanta. She was instantly interested and engaged with us. She made our decision feel exciting and justified. Over time, our friendship grew and deepened. I came to realize that what we saw in her welcoming us was her vision for being a good citizen—regardless of location! What leadership!
M.J., Former neighbor
I am now seven but still remember the first time you meet us out and came to seat with us, we were able to get to know each other at least by name and so by the time we started enjoying seeing you and run to hug and wave hello from our balcony. You brought us present, and cards for Christmas.
We love to see your mom she tells us stories sometimes when she was a teacher.
I want to see you again.
Take care.
Jules-Martin Betmbe, 7 years old
Mary Harmon is a very genuine kind hearted woman. She’s very committed, loyal and devoted. Most of all very caring. I can go on about her bold personality. I had a personal trauma happen to me and my family, she opened her arms so easily to try and help calm me as best as she could. She made some calls for me when I just couldn’t do it and for that I’m very thankful.
N.B., Hospice nurse
I enjoy talking to Miss Mary because she always listens to me. We talk about birds and nature. She makes me feel special with the unique gifts she gives me.
Jayden, 10-year-old neighbor
Mom told me about your project and I wish all the best to you. Thank you for being such a good neighbor, for being so kind, always check on us, telling us little stories and bringing us gifts.
I am happy to have been part of your little friends.
Take care.
Celia Betmbe, 11 years old
I remember living in a community where most of the residents were mostly preoccupied by their work. For almost 3 years a single friend I was able to make was a housewife as me with 2 children but one afternoon I had a chance to meet Marie-Elisabeth who was new in the building, she greeted us and introduced herself, we started a little conversation, we spent about 20 minutes chatting. And she will become one of our great friends my children and I, asking if I need help, stopping by to check on us. During the pandemic she knocked constantly to ask if I have everything. She will just take a list, shop and drop off.
People like Marie-Elisabeth does exist but they are few in this modern context. I am happy and thankful to her.
Viviane Betmbe
Mary-Elizabeth’s personalized, professional caregiving advice helped me to improve my loved one’s quality of life at the end of a terminal illness, even at a distance. She is a compassionate expert who offers practical, thoughtful guidance.
S.M., Washington, DC