Meet NICCA's Newest Board Member: Tammy Charles

Tammy Rene’ Charles is the Director of Education at the Wyandotte Nation in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. Tammy joined the Education Department staff of the Wyandotte Nation in November 2001. Prior to tribal employment, Tammy was a licensed home child care provider and was a staff member at Vinita Pubic Schools. She currently serves as the Director of Education with service prior as Child Care Resource and Referral and Intake Manager. Tammy oversees the education and workforce, library, and child care and development fund program.

The Wyandotte Nation operates a year round program that provides before and after school care as well as 3- and 4-year old Preschool services for 100 children. A comprehensive summer program that offers numerous educational outings serves as a much needed avenue for quality care for her rural community.

Tammy holds an A.S. in Child Development, a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science from Oklahoma State University, and a M.S. in Educational Technology from Pittsburg State University. She is involved with Oklahoma Child Care Resource and Referral, Oklahoma Tribal Child Care, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Oklahoma Council for Indian Education, Tribal and Indigenous Early Childhood Network, Southern Early Childhood Association, and Tribal Research Center.

Tammy on becoming a member of the NICCA Board of Directors: "I have had the opportunity to see NICCA transform and grow during my 15 years in tribal child care and I am excited to be on the board to carry the torch and continue the work that is needed in our communities. This includes sharing our stories and advocating for the work that the AI/AN grantees do in the communities we serve."

As a member of the Board of Directors, Tammy will represent NICCA Area C / Federal Region VI.

Tammy has two children, Sarah and Michael and one granddaughter, Kenzely. Away from work, she enjoys travel and horses.

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