Staff

Tamara became an occupational therapist more than 48 years ago. Her focus shifted from general pediatrics/early intervention to wheelchairs, positioning and mobility equipment for kids, when her daughter Eleanore was born with cerebral palsy and profound deafness. Tamara is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional/Seating and Mobility Specialist, and is certified as an Intermediate Wheelchair Provider with the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals.

Tamara observed deteriorating body shapes of children as they grew, despite good daytime positioning equipment. She provided a supported sleeping position for her own daughter intuitively, but did not apply it to clients until she read a paper about 24-hour postural care published in England in 2000. She used what she knew as a therapist to provide 24-hour positioning for her clients and sought more training. In January 2012 Tamara studied at Postural Care Skills, CIC in England, then learned more about posture care management (PCM) as it began in the 1970s, including the work of pioneers Noreen Hare, Pauline Pope and the Chailey Heritage Centre.

To raise awareness about 24-hour PCM in the United States Tamara founded Postural Care USA in 2013 — renamed Posture 24/7 in 2015. She obtained a grant for and implemented the Montana Postural Care Project, funded by the Montana Council on Developmental Disabilities (2016-2019).

Tamara presents at national and international conferences on topics related to 24-hour PCM and positioning and mobility equipment. She is the founding chair of the RESNA 24-7 PCM special interest group. In addition to working with Posture 24/7, she directs Eleanore’s Project. She now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she enjoys her dog and family, many outdoor activities, cooking, gardening and yoga.