About us...
Vision
To create a future where an in-home family caregiver has access to the support, resources, and relief they need to care for their loved ones without sacrificing their own health, wellbeing, or quality of life.
Mission
To improve the lives of family caregivers by providing meaningful support, practical resources, and compassionate assistance that eases the daily responsibilities of caregiving. We believe caregivers should never have to face their journey alone. Through community partnerships, trusted service providers, volunteers, and financial assistance, we help connect caregivers with the services they need most- from housekeeping and meal assistance to respite care, transportation, home maintenance, and other essential support. By helping to remove everyday burdens, we strive to give caregivers the opportunity to rest, recharge, and continue caring for their loved ones with dignity, confidence, and hope. Our goal is to build a community like network of support that empowers caregivers, strengthens families, and reminds every caregiver that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
LEADERSHIP
DUGAN MEREDITH
Dugan Meredith is the Founder and a Board Member of Taking Care of Granny, a nonprofit organization created to support, educate, and encourage family caregivers. Drawing on his professional background in business development and account management, Dugan has spent his career building meaningful relationships and connecting people with solutions. He also founded and manages the Taking Care of Granny social media platforms, where he shares practical caregiving resources, real-life experiences, and encouragement with a growing community of caregivers. Having experienced the challenges and rewards of caregiving firsthand alongside his family, Dugan established the organization to ensure that other caregivers have access to the support, information, and community they need. His vision is to help caregivers feel less isolated while honoring the loved ones they care for with dignity, compassion, and respect.
JULIA KHALED
Julia is an elder law attorney whose career is defined by a deep commitment to the specialized requirements of her senior clients. With over twenty years of experience, she has established herself as a prominent advocate, providing vital guidance through the intricate processes of estate planning and the challenges of aging. Julia blends professional legal proficiency with sincere kindness, serving as a reliable partner for families and older adults alike. By fostering genuine relationships, she gains a thorough understanding of each individual’s goals, ensuring that their concerns are managed with precision and compassion. Beyond her practice, Julia contributes her leadership to various community, religious, and professional groups at both local and national levels. She resides in Rock Hill with her husband, Ben, and their three children: Joseph, Ava Grace, and Jacob. Together, they treasure family time and enjoy exploring the diverse landscapes of our nation, whether traveling along major highways or discovering the charm of hidden back roads during camping adventures.
TONY BREEDEN
Tony Breeden was born in Virginia, and his family relocated to Charlotte when he was very young. Raised by a single mother, he attended several Charlotte-area schools before graduating from Myers Park High School and enlisting in the Marine Corps. Tony served at posts around the world, including Okinawa, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, and Honduras. His final three years were spent on Embassy Duty. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Charlotte and began his law-enforcement career with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. After more than two years working in the jail, Tony moved to Rock Hill in 1995 and began a nearly 28-year career. He spent approximately 26 years on SWAT, with assignments in Patrol, Traffic, and Street Crimes within the Detective Division. He also served in leadership roles as a Sergeant and Lieutenant.Tony retired from Rock Hill in 2022 and joined Inspiration Ministries in Indian Land. In April 2024, he entered the race for Sheriff alongside four other candidates. He is deeply humbled by the opportunity and remains committed to protecting the county.
APRIL PICCIONE
April Piccione is a Senior Living Advisor with Next Level Senior Advisors, where she helps seniors and families navigate care options and connect with resources that support their unique needs. Beginning her career as a caregiver in a memory care community, April has gained a well-rounded perspective through roles in life enrichment, senior living sales, adult day services, and senior care advocacy. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Alzheimer’s Association advocate, she is passionate about dementia education, supporting caregivers, and strengthening connections within the senior care community. April is dedicated to serving others by creating a positive impact for seniors, families, and the communities she serves.
DEBORAH MCMULLEN
Deborah McMullen is a dedicated patient sitter and caregiver with 49 years of experience supporting individuals and families facing a wide range of care needs. Her background includes providing compassionate assistance to those with intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, mental illness, cancer, and stroke-related conditions.Dementia care is Deborah’s greatest passion. She is committed to offering patients dignity, patience, comfort, and dependable companionship while giving families confidence that their loved ones are receiving attentive care.A native of York County, Deborah is a proud mother of three children and grandmother to five. Outside of caregiving, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, attending church services, studying the Bible, completing puzzles, and crocheting. Deborah values honesty, kindness, and treating every person in her care with respect.
BECKY SANDEFUR
Becky Sandefur serves as a Life Enrichment Director, where she specializes in developing individualized, person-centered initiatives that foster genuine connection, engagement, and purpose for seniors. Her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to memory care, as she crafts meaningful experiences that promote active participation and ensure every resident is treated with the utmost dignity and respect. With a compassionate approach and a strong understanding of the unique needs of each individual, Becky creates programming that celebrates residents’ personal histories, interests, abilities, and accomplishments. From interactive activities and creative expression to social gatherings and moments of quiet connection, she strives to make each day fulfilling and enriching. Becky believes that meaningful engagement can strengthen confidence, encourage independence, and help residents and their families feel supported throughout every stage of care.
BETH ANN SCRUGGS
Beth Ann Scruggs, Ed.D., has spent years caring about people living with dementia and the families who love them. She currently works as a grant writer, has experience helping bring resources to organizations doing this kind of work, and holds an Ed.D. from the University of South Carolina. Over the years, her path has included nonprofit development and fundraising — always with the same thread running through it: a belief that people living with memory loss deserve dignity, connection, and support. Beth Ann is a Support Group Leader and Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, where she helps families navigating memory loss find guidance and community. She’s also an Alzheimer’s Association Advocate and a Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador. Beth Ann is looking forward to bringing her experience and heart for caregivers to the board of Taking Care of Granny.