Tammy grew up in Beckley, West Virginia. After graduating from Marshall University, she taught school in Lincoln County and Cabell County, WV. Tammy then moved to Roanoke, Virginia where she raised her family, taught school, and began her administrative career. She served in several leadership positions in Virginia including Assistant Principal, Principal, Supervisor, and Director. Tammy returned to her hometown and resumed her teaching career.

Teaching children is her passion. She believes in the power of literacy and strives to inspire in her students a love of reading and writing. Tammy loves and values her family. She raised four sons, has eight grandchildren and shares a home with her sister, Leigh, her son, Frank and her dog, Baby Girl.