EDUCATION
- University of Pennsylvania – MS, Education
- Claremont Graduate University – MA, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
- Claremont Graduate University – MA, Philosophy
- Clark University – BA, Philosophy
A native of Cornish, New Hampshire, Tawnie grew up in the Upper Valley and was a first-generation college student. She earned her undergraduate degree from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she studied philosophy with additional interests in history, international relations, and human rights. She later earned graduate degrees in philosophy and cultural studies from Claremont Graduate University, as well as a third master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania focused on education.
Tawnie’s path to working with young people began through AmeriCorps. During her first term of service, she worked with the I Have a Dream Foundation in Boulder, Colorado, an experience that helped her recognize both her passion for working with young people and her natural ability to remain calm, authentic, and connected even when a young person is struggling. She later completed a second AmeriCorps term working in the public schools in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Over the years, Tawnie has worked with young people in a variety of educational settings around the country, including public and charter schools, and has taught philosophy to both middle and high school students.
Throughout her career and academic work, Tawnie has been particularly interested in the importance of community, authentic relationships, and empowering young people rather than simply directing them. Those values are a large part of what drew her to Mountain Valley. She was immediately struck by the authenticity of the community and the way residents are supported in developing greater agency in their own lives.
Tawnie believes that some of the most powerful teaching happens through what adults model rather than what they say. She strives to bring calmness, authenticity, curiosity, and respect to her relationships with residents while helping them develop the confidence to move toward the lives they want to build.
Tawnie lives in Claremont, New Hampshire, with her husband, Matt, who is a clinician at Mountain Valley, and their cats and dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in nature.