Tammy Bush

I have spent over 36 years working in criminal justice and re-entry services, beginning my career with the Illinois Department of Corrections where I worked my way up through various positions including parole agent, parole supervisor, and ultimately retiring as a major after 31 years of service. Throughout my career, I witnessed suicide at every level, which deeply impacted my later advocacy work. Currently, I work as a program manager for GEO Group, managing 4 sites across Illinois where we are contracted with the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice to provide individual cognitive behavioral intervention, life skills training, and employment readiness programs for youth coming out of the justice system. We also assist families with their needs and provide transportation for families who want to visit their children in facilities. Twelve years ago, I lost my daughter to suicide, which transformed my life's mission. I founded Tam's Beautiful Butterflies, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to students going off to college or current undergraduates. I began volunteering with the mental health board in Belleville and was referred to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where I started doing presentations and going into schools to talk to kids about suicide and mental health awareness. I became a board member of the Illinois chapter and continue to serve in that capacity. I also facilitate a support group called Wings of Hope with NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness), which I co-lead with another facilitator and launched in January, offering support both virtually and online. My most significant legislative achievement is submitting Senate Bill 2771, known as Tamara's Act after my daughter, which has passed the Senate and is currently in the House awaiting the Governor's signature. This bill will require the posting of 988 suicide prevention numbers in state office buildings, colleges, and schools, mandate mental health and suicide prevention curriculum for grades 6 through 12, and provide mental health resources to men and women coming out of prison so they know about the 988 number and resources in their area. I hold an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor's degree in workforce education and development, a master's degree in management from Fontbonne University, and a master's degree in professional counseling from Lindenwood University. I also have substance abuse certification and am currently training to become an instructor in mental health first aid. Beyond my primary work, I am the second vice president and journalist for Iota Phi Lambda Incorporated Gamma Chapter, which we chartered in November 2024 in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. I have a passion for storytelling and participated in That's What She Said St. Clair County in 2023, a storytelling event under the She Said Project that can be found on YouTube. I am now launching my own storytelling production called Beautiful Connection, where I will bring women back to share their stories and journeys. I also run a jewelry business as a paparazzi consultant and have my own travel business with a group of about 12 women on my travel team.

• Substance Abuse Certification
• Mental Health First Aid Instructor Certification (in progress)

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor's Degree in Workforce Education and Development
• Master's Degree in Management
• Fontbonne University
• Master's Degree in Professional Counseling
• Lindenwood University

• Community Service and Advocacy Award
• Metro Area Professional Organization (May 23rd
• Upcoming)

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Illinois Chapter (Board Member)
• NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness)
• Iota Phi Lambda Incorporated
• Gamma Chapter (Second Vice President and Journalist)

• Founder
• Tam's Beautiful Butterflies (nonprofit providing college scholarships)
• Facilitator
• Wings of Hope Support Group with NAMI
• Mental Health Board
• Belleville
• School Presentations on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness