Don Lafayette
Where it All Began
Harmony Heights was founded on a powerful vision—one sparked over 50 years ago by Don Lafayette, who recognized a deep need in the community: a place where teen girls struggling with mental health challenges could receive the support they needed while continuing their education in a safe, understanding environment. From that vision, Harmony Heights was born—a school where healing, learning, and hope could coexist.
Together with his wife Greta Lafayette, who served as Director of our former residential facility and led music and drama classes, the Lafayettes built more than just a program—they built a home. They lived on-site, raised their daughters within the Harmony community, and dedicated nearly 26 years of their lives to the students they served.
Though much has evolved since those early days, the heart of Harmony Heights remains unchanged. Our mission, first set forth by Don and Greta, continues to guide us: to provide compassionate, individualized support to every student who walks through our doors. Their legacy lives on in every success story, every act of kindness, and every moment of growth we witness today.
Greta Lafayette
Remembering the Residence
For many years, the Harmony Heights Residence provided a unique and nurturing home-away-from-home for students needing full-time therapeutic support. Set on a peaceful 12-acre campus in Oyster Bay Cove, our beautiful 25-room Tudor estate offered a structured, supportive environment where students could focus on healing, personal growth, and academic success. With 24-hour care from a dedicated team of clinicians and residential staff, students participated in a variety of enriching programs that promoted self-discovery and emotional wellness.
While the residential program concluded in 2023 due to the evolving needs of our community, its spirit lives on in the compassionate, student-centered approach that continues to define Harmony Heights today. As we look to the future, we remain committed to providing exceptional therapeutic and academic support in a setting that is safe, nurturing, and empowering—continuing the mission that has guided us for over 50 years.
Photo provided by the Nassau County Museum, Long Island Studies; sourced from Town of Oyster Bay official site.
Connected to Our Community
Harmony Heights has been a proud part of the Oyster Bay and East Norwich community since 1974, and our deep local connections remain a meaningful part of who we are. As active members of the Oyster Bay - East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, we’re grateful to be surrounded by local leaders and organizations who believe in the power of supporting one another. Their consistent encouragement reminds us that we’re never alone in our mission.
We also believe in giving back. Whether partnering with local businesses like The Hive Market & Gallery to showcase our students’ creativity, or working with organizations like the Interreligious & Human Needs Council to collect and distribute food to families in need, we ensure our students experience the value of community, compassion, and service. These connections don’t just strengthen our school—they help our students grow into engaged, empathetic young adults who understand the impact they can make.
Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca speaks at our building reopening in October 2024.
Our students give back to families in need at the Interreligious & Human Needs Council.
Our Alumni
The impact of Harmony Heights extends far beyond graduation. Our alumni go on to accomplish incredible things, with many pursuing higher education, careers in mental health, and paths that reflect the strength and resilience they discovered here. We’re proud to say that most of our graduates go on to college, and some are even inspired to return to Harmony—whether as staff members, guest speakers, or mentors—bringing their journey full circle.
Several of our former students have become social workers, therapists, and advocates, driven by the support they received at Harmony and a desire to give that same support to others. We are honored to welcome back alumnae who lead workshops and presentations for current students, sharing their stories and reminding them that healing is possible, growth is real, and the future is bright. Our alumni community is a powerful testament to the life-changing work that happens at Harmony Heights.
