Tamara O’Hearn-Amman, Ph.D.
Dr. Tamara O’Hearn-Amman is a dedicated nonprofit leader, educator, and crisis intervention counselor with over 15 years of experience bridging mental health, education, and community service. Since 2007, she has led Gamsby’s Project, a nationally recognized public charity providing service dogs and counseling to families in hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities. Her innovative work has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Presidential Points of Light Award and the National Public Administration Unsung Hero Award. Tamara’s commitment to empowering and supporting individuals in need reflects her deep compassion and strategic leadership.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Tamara has an extensive background in higher education, having served as Director of the Writing Program and Associate Professor of English at MacMurray College. She has designed and led curriculum initiatives, supervised faculty, and implemented retention and student success programs. Her academic expertise in rhetoric and composition, combined with her experience in counseling, enables her to support students, educators, and communities with a holistic and empathetic approach.
Beyond her professional roles, Tamara has contributed to remote educational programs through The Prose Muse Group and Kooyaya LLC, providing tutoring in English, literature, and test preparation for K-12 and undergraduate students. Passionate about mental health, literacy, and community empowerment, she continues to develop programs and partnerships that make meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of those she serves.
• FarmResponse Program
• The University of Virginia
• BSU- Ph.D.
• James Madison University- M.F.A.
• Presidential Points of Light
• Public Administators Unsung Hero Award
• Beacon Better Life Award
• NCTE Article of The Year
• NSTA
• Sigma Tau Delta
• NCTE
• CEA
• Society of Professional Women Journalists
• Gamsby's Project
• Warren's Dream
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and maintaining a great sense of humor. I see everything in life as an opportunity to grow and to influence positive change in society. I am no stranger to adversity, but I consider life's difficulties as learning experiences that shape the nonprofit work I do. I genuinely care about the marginalized citizens of our society and strive to make them more visible and to engage others in the work I do in education and philanthropy. I work with students, the elderly, the terminally ill, and the disabled. I know that education and helping others are key to moving our society forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Apply for the job that provides meaning in your life. Financial stability is an important goal, but to feel passionate about your job is what motivates a person to do his/her best work.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue work that aligns with your passion. We work most of our lives; make it count!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The education industry is facing unique challenges, not only financially, but teachers are leaving the profession because they are not given significant agency and respect for their tireless and amazing work. Also, more people are apathetic about committing to public charity and non-profit work. This is the time to stand up for humanity and make our world better before it is too late to make a difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me in both my work and personal life is connection, service to others, and making a genuine difference in my community.