With over 30 years of executive leadership experience in child welfare across both public and private sectors, Tamara has held numerous leadership positions in state and local governments. Her background includes roles as a manager, supervisor, and direct practitioner in child welfare, along with working with non-profits that serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tamara’s volunteer work and personal experiences have also contributed to her family-centered approach to child welfare. Additionally, she has spent eight years teaching and training child welfare professionals in field settings. Throughout her career, Tamara has developed a strong ability to collaborate with the workforce, engage with families, and enhance outcomes for all stakeholders.
Tamara is deeply committed to driving transformative changes in the child welfare system, focusing on the safety, permanence, and well-being of children and families. She excels at amplifying the voices of youth and families, fostering partnerships, and promoting continuous improvement and innovation to achieve organizational excellence. Her career has been marked by a dedication to ensuring equitable access to services and implementing strategies that improve outcomes for marginalized communities, particularly regarding social determinants of health.
Tamara is well-versed in addressing power imbalances, bias, and equity issues within policies and practices, having led various initiatives in the public child welfare sector. Her leadership in dynamic environments has earned her multiple accolades, particularly for her compassionate and balanced leadership style that emphasizes support, accountability, and workforce retention. Tamara holds a Master’s in Social Work from Winthrop University and is an Associate Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She resides in South Carolina and enjoys spending time with her daughter and traveling in her free time
