Our History and Passion

Acorn is a family business with the singular goal of providing you peace of mind when you need to find great caregivers for your loved one.  It is owned by Lorenzo Mejia and Mary Lynn Ryerson. We are supported in our efforts by a number of outstanding professionals. Please read about our team here.

Final L & ML Photo Brochure

Both Lorenzo and Mary Lynn became Qualified Dementia Care Specialists in 2012.  In addition, Lorenzo has received numerous awards and designations related to the field of aging and his work in the community; these include:

Lorenzo became aware of the importance of great caregivers with his mother who required in-home assistance for a number of years.  He experienced first-hand what it is to see a loved one decline and suffer dementia, Alzheimer’s and other age-related conditions.

The gentle, compassionate woman he and his sister found to provide aid and companionship to their mother allowed her to live with dignity in her home and gave them tremendous peace of mind.  At Acorn, it’s our goal to provide the same comfort and peace of mind though our qualified and screened home care providers.

Early in his career, Lorenzo worked as an investment banker and high tech executive.  On Wall Street, he worked for Nikko Securities, where he headed capital markets origination for Latin America. After moving into high tech, he was VP, Corporate Development at Skila (acquired by BelHealth Partners) and CEO of Telic Communications (acquired by TSI).  After years of jobs that involved significant travel, he wanted a business that would allow him to enjoy his family and serve the local community.

Lorenzo  holds an MBA and MA from Stanford University and an MS from the University of California at Berkeley.  He is also a CFA.  In 2011, he was named Chief Financial Officer of the Year by the Triangle Business Journal. He also has served as an advisor to Rethinc Labs, an initiative of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, as well as a venture mentor for the Council of Entrepreneurial Development.

Mary Lynn is a licensed attorney in both North Carolina and New Jersey; she is also a real estate broker in both states.  Early in her career she practiced real estate law and commercial brokerage.  For over 20 years, she has been a consultant to Automatic Data Processing on matters related to their corporate real estate activities.  Mary Lynn received her JD from Seton Hall University School of Law.

The proud parents of two boys, they live in Chapel Hill.  Transplants from New Jersey, they are delighted to call North Carolina their home.