Our Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rose Ann earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Tarrant County College and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Rose Ann has amassed 18-plus years of experience in poetry performances at venues such as the Rose Marine Theater and Casa Manana. Her published works include the Fort Worth Optimist Club’s newsletter, the Fort Worth Poet, the DFW Poetry Review, Borders Books – Music – Cafe Poetry Group Anthology, and Phantasm: Poetry and Art.
For over 25 years, Tamara has provided strong leadership in several roles, including electrical engineer, team lead, project/program manager, Electronic Engineering Manager, and currently, Systems Engineering Manager. She emphasizes team building, communication, process improvement, and managing and resolving issues. Tamara currently works at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
Dr. Hall is the Director of the TCU Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program at TCU. With a background in higher education, LaTrina has served as the P-16 Initiative Coordinator at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, supporting service-learning initiatives for K-12 educators, college faculty, and community organizations. A former high school teacher, LaTrina’s research explores student development and racial identity. She has a long history of involvement with TRIO programs and AmeriCorps, and is passionate about supporting youth and educational equity, making her excited to contribute to The Thank You Darlin’ Foundation.
Debbie Ursini, a visual artist and poet, has worked in schools throughout the area as an art instructor for 15-plus years. She is also an accomplished artist. Her work shows extraordinary insight into the multicultural life of today. It has been shown in ethnic galleries, on cable programs, and in numerous private and public exhibits throughout the area. Passionate about helping to keep Earth green, Debbie uses recyclable materials to create stunning works of art.
STAFF
Unleashing the power of words to ignite change. Carolyn, a business-savvy performer turned nonprofit leader, is on a mission to empower communities through the arts and literacy. With a background in theater and managing successful businesses, she brings creativity, efficiency, and a heart full of compassion to her work.
Carolyn is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience, she is the driving force behind our organization’s growth and success. From humble beginnings serving just five students, Carolyn has expanded our reach to impact hundreds of young minds each year.
As the founder of our organization, Carolyn’s dedication to providing quality programming led her to establish us as a public charity with tax-exempt status. Her unwavering commitment to enriching communities through arts and literacy education has shaped our mission and values.
Carolyn brings a strategic mindset that ensures the sustainability and expansion of our initiatives. Her exceptional leadership skills have allowed us to flourish in both Chicago, Illinois, where it all began, and Fort Worth, Texas.
Join us as we continue to empower young students through creative expression and knowledge enrichment under Carolyn’s guidance. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of young learners across communities.
TEACHING ARTISTS
Tresa Alvarado wrote her first poem at the tender age of six years old. This experience was the way she learned to express herself, not only on paper but in life. As a senior instructor for the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation’s poetry program, she has watched children grow from shy and inexpressive to well-spoken and impressive. Tresa’s passion is helping children apply the science of reading and writing in school to real-life situations. She believes the best way to help children succeed is to give them guidance, respect, attention, and encouragement.
Tammy Gomez, a 2007 Texas medal of Arts award nominee, is a spoken word and multimedia performer recognized for her cutting-edge performance artwork. Tammy is also a literary producer as well as a playwright and director. She curated the Texas Book Festival Poetry Tent readings at the State Capitol for six consecutive years. She is also a participating member of the Macondo Writers’ Workshop. In addition, Tammy became a teaching artist for the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation in 2011.
Lynn Lewis received a B.S. degree in Biology from North Texas State University. She is a past president of the Poets of Tarrant County and sits on the Board of Directors for the Poetry Society of Texas. Lynn has been published in several poetry magazines and anthologies, including the Texas Poetry Calendar. Lynn has been a Teaching Artist for the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation since 2014.
Steve Novy is a young-at-heart senior who’s also a dad of two grown boys. He retired from the Keller Independent School District as an elementary art teacher with over 20 years of experience. Besides his love of the arts, he loves the great outdoors and often uses nature art projects to inspire students. Steve is very excited to be a part of the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation’s team of teaching artists.