Staff Spotlight: Tami Tidwell
Tami’s journey with DO-IT is one of unique expertise, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every person’s potential. Since 2003, Tami has made a lasting difference in the lives of students with disabilities here at DO-IT.
Tami’s interest in working in the disability community started in 1985 when she participated in a pilot program through Camp Fire First Texas that trained teenagers to safely and effectively care for children with disabilities, filling a vital gap for families requiring specialized childcare. Her interest was further piqued during her time at Texas Christian University when she was given the opportunity to do an independent study on autism while earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Before joining DO-IT in 2003, she worked as a group home counselor, a bond trading assistant, and a corporate recruiter.
At DO-IT, her primary work focuses on supporting high school and college students as they navigate important transitions and pursue their goals. She provides guidance on college admissions, scholarships, internships, accommodations, and disability disclosure strategies. Through this work, she helps students make informed decisions, advocate for themselves, and build the confidence they need to succeed.
Tami enjoys working directly with students through the DO-IT Scholars Summer Study and the Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners Summer Program on the University of Washington campus. These programs give students opportunities to explore academic and career possibilities, develop community, and envision futures that may once have seemed out of reach. Through this work, she also enjoys working with the DO-IT Advisory Board each year as they review and advise us on each Scholar cohort.
She recognizes that students with disabilities often encounter systemic barriers in education and employment not because of a lack of ability or ambition, but because institutions and environments are not always designed to include them. By sharing information, expanding access to opportunities, and helping students develop self-advocacy skills, she works to help remove those barriers and promote greater equity.
Tami’s work is grounded in honoring each student’s unique voice, choices, and right to self-determination. Whether she is discussing accommodations, supporting a student through an individualized education program (IEP) process, or helping someone decide how and when to disclose a disability, she listens carefully and respects each student’s experiences and goals. Her guidance helps students claim their place in competitive college programs, challenging careers, and communities where their contributions are valued.
Over the years, Tami has contributed to numerous DO-IT initiatives, including Disability Mentoring Day, AccessSTEM, the UW Workforce Recruitment Program, and AccessSTEM CAREERS. A highlight in her career at DO-IT includes being nominated for the 2017 Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment’s (GCDE) Direct Support Professional of the Year (pictured above) by a Bellevue College colleague and Ambassador Scholar.
Tami builds trusting relationships with students and genuinely cares about their well-being and success. Much of her joy comes from seeing results in the ways that students achieve their goals, whether that means being admitted to college, securing an internship, or reaching an ambitious milestone.
Leadership and collaboration at the University of Washington has always been important to Tami. She has been a leader in UW-IT Mindfulness at Work, a collaborator in the Youth Activities Leader Circle from the Office of Youth Protection and a member of the ADA Advisory Group from the Office of 504 Coordinator.
Tami is an effective mentor because she models lifelong learning. She continually explores developments in the field of accessible education and often picks up new hobbies and interests. Her curiosity, commitment to growth, and openness to new experiences make her a great role model for the students and colleagues she supports. Please join us in celebrating this impactful member of the DO-IT team!