A Lifelong Iowan, Tammie graduated from Drake University. Her early career was spent with an employment and training agency for disadvantaged youth and adults, moving into an HR role inrecruiting and staffing in a hospital setting, then salary and employee benefits management in the insurance industry. In 2004, Tammie joined the University of Iowa's Center for Disabilities and Development. She started out working on financial literacy, asset building and employment for persons with disabilities. Currently Tammie is working in a contract relationship with Iowa Department of Human Services on improving community based employment services and outcomes, and with the Iowa Partnerships in Employment grant on youth transition to employment. Her work is in community inclusion, employment, and self-sufficiency for people impacted by disability.