Tamara Cannon

I founded REACH (Resources, Education & Advocacy for Children) with Disabilities in 2013, with the purpose of helping families of children with disabilities. Living the same life, and enduring the same issues, helps to understand whole-heartedly the magnitude of health, education, socialization, acceptance, love, joy, stress, challenges and accomplishments.

REACH was formed to provide families with the resources they can turn to, rely on, and feel confident with, knowing they are not judged, criticized, or manipulated.

Since I have a strong working relationship with the Tangipahoa Parish School System Special Education Department, the Southeastern Louisiana University Teaching and Learning Department, and the Louisiana Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, I am able to advocate for families on a professsional and personal level.

I also sit as secretary on the executive board of the Florida Parishes Region IX Regional Advisory Committee, and sit on the Individual and Family Support Committee which advises the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority.

I am able to stay active in my son's local school by being a member of the School Improvement Committee, a PTA member and I volunteer at events and functions throughout the year.

Helping families and their children is my passion. It is my goal to make sure every child receives proper care, education, and has the prospect to live a happy, successful life.

I also founded Helping Hands Down Syndrome & Chromosome Disorder Support Group in 2011. This support group has been extremely helpful to local families, allowing them to connect, share information and learn from each other.

Personally, I am a native of north Texas - and that is where my heart is. I graduated high school as valedictorian in Nocona, Texas and began a career in medical administration after starting a family. It was later, after having a child with a disability, that I turned my focus to the disability field.

I am always looking for people who share my passion and have a desire to make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities. Please contact me if you would like to help.