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 Marting Aeronautics.
Jane is an Acute Care Nephrology Nurse Practitioner. She was born in San Diego, California, to Naval parents, has lived in 9 states, and has traveled extensively throughout her lifetime. Elizabeth has a Master of Science in Nursing. However, her most significant accomplishment has been to be the proud parent of a United States Marine who graduated from Texas A & M University. Elizabeth is an avid gardener, chef, and Toastmaster and recently received her Open Water Diver certification for scuba diving in hopes of continuing to explore the world.
Stephanie is a highly self-motivated individual with 11-plus years of experience in the financial industry including operations, new business, analysis, and customer service. Stephanie is currently an Investor Relations Specialist with Colonial Savings. Her involvement with the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation stems from her deep belief that participation in the arts is vital for every young person.
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
Carolyn founded and established the organization as a public charity with 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in Chicago, Illinois. In 2004, she expanded the organization’s footprint by launching operations in Fort Worth, Texas. Carolyn brings 25-plus years of experience to this position. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from providing arts and literacy-focused programming for a small group of five students to impact hundreds of students annually.
Carolyn studied business administration at Loyola University while exercising her passion for performance arts, singing in theaters country-wide. Her diverse background also includes managing theatrical groups and directing top financial services businesses, where she earned numerous awards for productivity, quality service, and profitability.
Her transformation to heading a nonprofit organization was inspired by a desire to honor her mother’s legacy of helping others. Her passion for literacy was inspired by Frederick Douglass, who gained his freedom from enslavement by honing essential communication skills, including reading, writing, and public speaking. Ms. West’s work with young people reflects her belief that these skills are critical to emancipating and elevating individuals today. She lives her own credo, recently returning to school to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree at Texas Woman’s University.
Carolyn is masterful. She lives her life giving voice to vulnerable youth and is responsible for implementing art programs in 30 North Texas public schools and publishing eight poetry anthologies. In addition, she has led our organization to become an award-winning youth art and education service provider in Fort Worth, Texas.
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.