Our Team
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
Brandon is a TYDF alumnus who first found his voice through poetry in third grade and has transitioned into regional and national poetry slams, winning multiple titles along the way. Brandon directs and produces original poetic performances that incorporate movement and personal storytelling, helping young people explore their own identities and truths. Now a theatre educator and performer, he helps youth transform pain into power—continuing the mission that first shaped his own story.
Toggle Content
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.
Tracy has deep roots in Fort Worth, with years of experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and community engagement. She most recently served as the Community & Donor Engagement Director at KWC Performing Arts, where she led major rebranding and fundraising initiatives while championing arts access for youth. Tracy now works with Formation Real Estate and continues her commitment to service through board roles with Stage West, the Fort Worth Report Advisory Board, Helping Restore Ability, and The Welman Project.
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 youth and connect communities through the arts and literacy. With a background in theater and managing successful financial service businesses, she brings efficiency, creativity, and a heart full of compassion to her work.
With 15 years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector, she is the driving force for our organization’s growth from serving only five students to over one hundred annually.
Carolyn invites you to join us as we continue to encourage children and teens to succeed through the incredible power of words, imagination and creative expression.
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.