Her messages of positivity and joy inspire educators in all levels of service to create a culture of kindness through social-emotional learning and character education.

Tamara received the R.E.B. Award for Teaching Excellence in 2018 and was named 2019 Teacher of the Year for Mechanicsville Elementary School. Her first book, A Passion for Kindness: Making the World a Better Place to Lead, Love, and Learn was released on Valentine's Day 2019. She is a licensed PK-12 administrator and also serves as Social Media Chairperson for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) annual conference. 

When not leading, teaching, and writing, Tamara enjoys spending time with her three children and connecting with other kindness cultivators around the world.

Transform School Culture with A Passion for Kindness

A school’s culture is the foundation for student and staff success. Discover unique and transformational ways you can positively cultivate kindness in your classroom, school, or district for maximum impact while learning more about social-emotional resources to support the learning journey. This inspirational presentation will guide you in foundational steps to lead, love, and learn with students, staff, and stakeholders.

The POWER Paradox: Leading with Empathy and Compassion

How do successful leaders empower others for growth and change? This inspirational presentation will unlock the POWER paradox to reveal applicable ways you can support and uplift others with empathy and compassion while staying true to your vision and goals for success. Dive deeper into elements of successful leadership to showcase the true POWER in your school, district, or organization.

From Status Quo to Status GO: Empowering Change in a Digital World

This technology-themed presentation acknowledges the rapid state of change in our digital world while showcasing innovative ways individuals, groups, and organizations are moving forward with change. Learn how to tap into the strengths of others to empower transitions from static to dynamic, while overcoming the challenges faced along the way. Develop tools of communication, collaboration, and cultural relevance to build bridges crossing the lines of comfort zones to embrace endless opportunities.

Your Story Matters! An Educator’s Guide to Sharing on Social Media and Beyond

Who is sharing your story with the world? In this passion-filled presentation, discover relevant and impactful ways you can wield social media platforms to your advantage to spotlight the stories and experiences you know best. Learn more about influential networking and which social media platforms are best for the messages you want to convey and the audiences you seek to reach.

Bring Joy to the Classroom with Passion Projects

Looking for a personalized approach to joyful learning experiences? Maximize student engagement and independent learning through student-created Passion Projects. This energetic presentation provides specific steps to empower students from elementary to college level in research, creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills while providing an opportunity for all voices to be heard from an authentic audience. Specific examples and resources will be shared for next day implementation including information about sparking joy with Kindness Passion Projects.

From Heartache to Hope: Embracing Joy in the Journey

How do we break through the binds of trials and tribulations? This session acknowledges the challenges we all face in life with frustration, disappointment, and loss while shining a light on positive perspectives along the path. Through stories of vulnerability and vitality, learn how to overcome each of these roadblocks to embrace joy in the journey. This session will inspire you to push through difficult times to develop resilience with a renewed sense of purpose to move forward.