Biography

Tamara is a true Montanan. Livingston, Montana that is, located at the foothills of the Absaroka/Beartooth Wilderness. She was born, raised and graduated from the local high school in this once thriving railroad town–now a diverse, charming small-town with big city amenities.

Almost immediately upon her high school graduation, Tamara set out to explore the Great Northwest. Although, her wandering days would soon end to settle down, get married, have a child and receive a Bachelor’s Degree from the Evergreen State College in Olympia Washington. Eventually, Tamara found herself back in Montana to be closer to her aging grandparents and ailing father.

During 1994 and 1995, Tamara searched the communities on the shores of Flathead Lake seeking work. With employment opportunities scarce, she headed back to Livingston once again for an 11-year stint as a Residential Program Manager for disabled adults. She also became quite familiar with the local deer herd during her 50-mile commute to work. “One of the local auto repair shops joked about stocking up on parts just for my car.”

To alleviate further threat to the resident deer population, shorten her commute time and take advantage of a new opportunity, Tamara accepted the Business Manager/Clerk position at the Arrowhead School where she initiated her experience in school budgeting and accounting.

After gaining considerable experience, Tamara joined the Black Mountain Software team in June 2015. Her knowledge and expertise is a valued asset to both BMS and our customers.

Small Town Story

While visiting her hometown of Livingston for her Grandparent’s 75^th wedding anniversary, Tamara was approached by an elderly man who claimed, “I know where you came from.” It was the doctor who had actually delivered her so very long ago.

Another one of Tamara’s treasured small town traits is the commitment to community involvement. “When it was spring clean up time at the Livingston parks and ball fields, everyone would show up to contribute to the effort,” recalls Tamara. “It attests to the bond and integration of a small town.” On the downside, most mischievous behavior is exposed, “you get caught,” she admits.

Community Service

• Community clean up of public sites
• Habitat for Humanity
• Crisis Hotline

Education

• BA in Psychology, with a Minor in Early Childhood Education, Evergreen State College
• Graduate School, St. Martin’s University
• American Sign Language and Early Childhood Education, Centralia Community College