MISSION
This Nursing Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Heather Judith Carey Palmer. Heather was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and gracefully balanced all those roles with her professional aspirations. Her life was special to so many, including family, friends, her community and a vast number of hospital staff throughout HCA. It is in honor of her steadfast commitment to enriching the medical community that this foundation was inspired.
The foundation was established to fund scholarships for aspiring nurses, in whatever capacity they find themselves in their career paths. Whether the student is beginning their educational pursuits or seeking a career change to the nursing field, this scholarship would be an opportunity to continue Heather Palmer’s commitment to mentoring, supporting, and fostering aspiring nurses. In her spirit, the family hopes this scholarship will continue to serve her community with the same passion Heather exhibited to the countless lives she touched.
Board of Directors
Bob Carey
Robert M. Carey (Bob) was born in Sioux City, Iowa, moving to and being raised in Southern California when he was 1. After graduation from the University of Santa Clara in 1966, he served two years in the military.
Returning to Southern California with his wife Maureen, in January 1969, he started work as a banker with United California Bank. This started a 30 plus year career as a banker.
Bob spent 33 years in Camarillo, CA where he enjoyed raising Heather to become the person that she reflected to all around her and spending quality time with Maureen and friends in this area.
In 2006, Bob and Maureen moved to Odessa, MO to assist Heather’s next journey into Nursing, assisting with their grandchildren’s care and education needs. This has occupied their existence over the past 15 years.
Maureen Carey
Maureen Kay (LaSuer) Carey was born and raised in Southern California, just north of Los Angeles. After graduation from Providence High School in Burbank, she attended California State University at Northridge, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a minor in French.
She married Robert Michael Carey in Baumholder, Germany while he served in the US Army. Upon returning to the United States, Maureen continued her education and received a teaching credential.
During her teaching career, she taught kindergarten, sixth, and seventh grades. Heather was born in 1974, and Maureen was a stay at home mom for seven years, returning to teaching when Heather entered third grade.
Nicole Prado
Heather Palmer's sister, Nicole Prado, feels honored to have an opportunity to continue her sister's legacy through the Heather Palmer Nursing Foundation. Before following her sister to Odessa, Missouri, Nicole was a Californian living with her husband, Ozzie, and their two daughters, Marley and Lola Prado. Observing what a wonderful life Heather and Wayne established for their family in Odessa, Nicole and Ozzie decided to pack up and move to the midwest in July of 2017. Nicole and Ozzie feel very blessed by the decision to move and have enjoyed the quality time shared with her sister and family.
Nicole is a licensed psychologist practicing in Blue Springs, Missouri. She enjoys spending time with her family at the lake, cheering her daughters in their activities, and watching her niece and nephews in their sporting events. Nicole hopes the foundation will assist aspiring medical professionals in their future endeavors. Through Heather's spirit, Nicole hopes others will be inspired to become exceptionally proficient nurses and positive stewards to their community as a whole. Nicole highly values her sister's hard work in inspiring and guiding others and is committed to continuing that tradition through the Heather Palmer Nursing Foundation.
Wayne Palmer
On December 27, 2003 Wayne was united in marriage to Heather in Camarillo, CA. Heather and Wayne relocated to his hometown of Odessa, MO where she then decided to pursue a job in healthcare.
Currently, Wyan is an employee of Belton Regional Medical Center.
He is also the proud father of Zachary, Braedon, Bryce, Zane, and Isabella Palmer all of Odessa, MO; and grandfather to Rowan Palmer.