Testimonials
“I first met Tamara at the elementary transition workshop hosted by the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas. She was on the Parents Panel sharing her experience with inclusion for her son, Alex. I was not knowledgeable of the long term ramifications of decisions we would make for our son at such an early point in his education and, I must admit, that I didn’t listen as closely as I should have because I expected my son to enter school in a Functional Academics classroom. However, when our district recommended Life Skills, I knew we had to give our son a much broader foundation which came down to inclusion in the classroom rather than a centralized district classroom. Having not listened as closely as I should have, I contacted Tamara and my husband and I met with her, her husband Robbie and their high school aged daughter, Addie. She shared their experience with the public school district and inclusion and we knew that was what we wanted for our son. She provided follow-up notes and sources that supported our decision to advocate for inclusion. We were successful in placing our son in his neighborhood elementary school to start Kindergarten fully included in his class! it is because of Tamara’s guidance and support that we were successful. Whether your child is beginning their educational path or already in the school system, Tamara has the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the educational process with you to make the best right decision for your child and family.”
Diane M. - Parent Frisco, Texas
“ I feel confident my daughter will get the individualized educational plan that she deserves with Tamara as part of her IEP team. Tamara’s experience of over 18+ years at the IEP table herself as the parent of a child with Down syndrome is invaluable expertise. She is invested in what is best for my child and is always available to answer a question or bounce an idea off of. My knowledge of how to advocate for my child has grown 10 fold over the last year! I am so lucky to have found Tamara and have had the opportunity to work with her.”
Crystal W. - Parent Dallas, Texas
“Tamara and Alex have substantial experience advocating for people with disabilities. They have actively partnered with legislators, educators, parents, and medical professionals to promote the needs of the Down syndrome community. Their passion for inclusivity and access to equal opportunities is unrivaled. As a parent, Tamara brings a unique point of view and commitment to the topic at hand. Both are active learners with a curiosity for new studies or educational initiatives. I know Tamara and Alex to be generous with their time for anyone that may call upon them as a resource.”
Terri M. - Former Board President, Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas Plano, Texas
“I reached out to some lawyers & an advocate: Tamara White, who is amazing! She gave me great information. Make sure you talk to someone who knows the laws & knows their way around an ARD meeting. Tamara really helped me set the stage for my son!”
Marie N. - Parent Lewisville, Texas
I have known Tamara and Alex for all of Alex’s life. He is a respectful, confident, and hard-working young man. He is also quite witty! Alex leads by example and seeks to pave the way for others with Down syndrome by educating how people with Down syndrome are more alike than different! Alex’s high school GPA and his National Honor Society (NHS) involvement demonstrate he doesn’t give up even if the work is challenging! He is seen as a leader academically and in his community by his peers and his teachers, evidenced by his VP position with NHS, and President of Best Buddies. Additionally, he was selected in 2022 to be honored at Night of the Superstars, one of only six chosen in Dallas to receive this award. I would encourage you to invite Alex and his mom, Tamara to participate in your educational journey!
Julie H. - Lifelong friend
Plano, Texas
“I have been very fortunate to partner alongside Tamara White for several years while supporting the academic, social, and long-term success of her child. We worked very closely together on ensuring the best possible outcomes for her son. Tamara is an outspoken advocate who goes above and beyond to ensure the voices of every student and parent are heard. Through her dedication and effort, Tamara has helped several students make tremendous strides in both academic and social contexts. She knows how to align student goals and success in a way that maximizes student outcomes. She has a get-things-done attitude calling parents, teachers, administrators, and district-level staff to make data-driven decisions while still advocating for the child.”
Alicia A. - Regional Account Executive / Former Special Education Professional
Frisco, Texas
After the birth of four other children, my mom knew something was different when the doctors wouldn’t let her hold me. Shortly after I was born, they told her I had a ‘marker’ on my hand that was a sign of someone having Down syndrome. A straight line crossing my left hand caused them to do additional testing. After 2 days of waiting (and my mom was still in the hospital), my dad sat down at our kitchen table to tell my siblings I had Down syndrome. My parents had always tried to give their kids everything they could. So, they became educated about Down syndrome; helped me get the therapies I needed, and decided their expectations of me were going to be no different than my siblings. I had chores. I had homework. I was expected to keep my room clean, etc. Because of their inclusive outlook, I have never doubted my abilities. This story is the reason I am confident and excited to take my next steps at college in the fall of 2023. As a person with Down syndrome, I see the world through a different lens. I understand how diversity and inclusive environments benefit not only the individual but others as well. I know that given the opportunity; I can teach others how to see through this lens too.
Alex White -Ds Advocate & College Student
Richardson, Texas