THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORK

Our Team of visionary leaders brings diverse expertise and a shared commitment to centering families, honoring their inherent strengths, and driving equitable, sustainable outcomes across communities.

Tamara Hardy, MSW

Founder, President, Board of Directors

Tamara Hardy is a child welfare leader and speaker with over 15 years of experience across public and private sectors. As a former foster youth, she brings powerful lived experience alongside extensive professional expertise, shaping her commitment to improving outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Grounded in the belief that children should grow up with their families whenever it is safe to do so, Tamara centers families in all aspects of practice, ensuring their voices and strengths guide decision-making at every level.

She is the Founder of the H.O.P.E. Foundation, established to improve sustainable reunification outcomes through culturally responsive, family-centered approaches. Her work reflects a deep dedication to families across the full continuum of care, including those navigating both formal foster care and informal arrangements.

Tamara is widely recognized for her ability to bridge policy and practice, equipping professionals with practical, field-tested strategies that enhance engagement, critical thinking, and outcomes related to child safety, permanency, and family stability. She has spent over a decade training and coaching child welfare professionals in real-world settings, driving meaningful improvements in practice and system performance.

As President of the Board of Directors, Tamara provides visionary leadership and strategic direction, ensuring the H.O.P.E. Foundation remains aligned with its mission to strengthen families and promote equitable, lasting outcomes.

Tamara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Winthrop University.

Brittany Works, LCSW

Board of Directors, Vice President

Brittany Works, LCSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Matters of Our Mind, LLC, where she partners with educators, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to address structural racism, examine the impact of trauma and implicit bias, and implement evidence-based, culturally responsive strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness and mission alignment.

Brittany brings a wealth of frontline and leadership experience across multiple systems, including her work as a child protective services worker, a mental health therapist within the Georgia prison system, and a supervisor for a community-based mental health team in metropolitan Atlanta. These experiences have shaped her deep understanding of the intersection of systemic inequities and trauma, particularly as they impact Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) communities. She is committed to advancing meaningful change through a balanced understanding of historical context and the application of evidence-based practices.

As Vice President of the H.O.P.E. Foundation Board of Directors, Brittany provides strategic leadership grounded in equity, trauma-informed care, and systems transformation. Her expertise strengthens the Foundation’s commitment to culturally responsive, family-centered approaches that improve outcomes for children and families.

Brittany holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Oakwood University and a Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University. She has been recognized for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to community impact.

Jeree Rogers, MSOT, OTR/L

Board of Directors, Secretary

Tamilia Vaughn is a dedicated healthcare specialist with nearly 20 years of professional experience in healthcare advocacy and education. She currently serves as an access healthcare specialist for a pharmaceutical company, where she plays a critical role as both an advocate and liaison between individuals with chronic illnesses and their insurance providers, ensuring access to essential, lifesaving medications.

Tamilia’s career reflects a deep commitment to public health and ensuing equitable access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her prior work supporting the aging population focused on connecting individuals to providers for routine and preventive care, reinforcing her belief in early intervention and thoughtful, practical approaches to health and well-being. She is passionate about prevention and advancing solutions that are both effective and responsive to the real needs of individuals and families.

As Secretary of the Board, Tamilia brings a strong foundation in healthcare systems, advocacy, and client-centered service to the H.O.P.E. Foundation. Her perspective strengthens the organization’s commitment to equitable access, informed decision-making, and sustainable outcomes for families.

Tamilia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion from Coastal Carolina University and enjoys traveling in her free time.

Board of Directors, Treasurer

Jeree Rogers is a dedicated occupational therapist with over a decade of experience providing acute care services in a high-intensity hospital setting. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with patients and families navigating significant physical trauma, supporting recovery, restoring function, and promoting independence during some of their most critical moments.

Jeree brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to her work, grounded in a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that impact healing and long-term well-being. Her clinical experience has strengthened her ability to support not only individuals, but entire family systems as they adapt and recover.

Passionate about service beyond the clinical setting, Jeree actively seeks opportunities to leverage her expertise to support marginalized and underserved communities. She is committed to advancing equitable access to care and improving outcomes for individuals and families facing systemic barriers.

As Treasurer of the H.O.P.E. Foundation Board of Directors, Jeree brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented perspective and a strong commitment to stewardship, ensuring the organization’s resources are aligned with its mission to strengthen families and promote sustainable outcomes.

Jeree holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in health education promotion and behavior from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Howard University.

Tamilia Vaughn