EMPLOYEES ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF JAWONIO
Join our team and find your passion! Build a career in a supportive culture of caring.
We begin our series of “Employee Spotlight” with Tamara Salmon:
How long have you been in the field of Human Services?
I have been in the human services field for 11 years.
Where did you begin your career?
I started my career at Richmond Community Services as a Direct Support Professional and moved up the career ladder as an Assistant Manager as well as Medicaid Service Coordinator at Abbott House.
What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services minoring in Psychology in 2014 from the University of Bridgeport and Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Communication in 2021 from Dominican University.
How did you begin your career at Jawonio?
I came to Jawonio as a Team Leader in 2017 supervising the Westchester Day Habilitation Program. I was promoted to Assistant Director of Day Services in Yonkers in which I provided oversight to the Without Walls Program(WOW), Site Based, Respite, and Community Pre-Vocational program.
Tell us about your growth and leadership?
My career at Jawonio has been amazing and I love what I do. At the end of 2022, I was promoted to the position of Program Director of the Westchester Day Habilitation program in Yonkers. Currently I oversee all aspects of the program and am responsible for all operations at our Yonkers site. My skills and educational background have also given me an opportunity to participate in the Emerging Leaders program in Westchester connecting with other leaders in the nonprofit community. Being part of the Emerging Leaders 2023 class, is a great way to share our Jawonio programs and learn about the work of other non-profits as well. It allows me to connect with others for potential future opportunities to connect around important issues in the community, as well as sharing our programs and mission. I really enjoy it and am learning a lot.
Tamara Salmon
Do you feel you are exactly where you are supposed to be?
Yes, absolutely. I feel supported at Jawonio. Sara Trowers, Chief Program Officer and Shedricka Edwards, Division Director, have also been an integral part of my success here and have been my biggest cheerleaders. I am passionate about my work. Having a family member with IDD has made me an even stronger advocate for the people I support. I wake up every day looking forward to my work at Jawonio. I feel better every day knowing that the job I do makes a difference in someone’s life whether big or small. I love what I do, and that is what keeps me going.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my two sons, binge-watching Netflix cooking shows, eating out at my favorite restaurants around the city, and perfecting my makeup craft.
Lastly, as a member of the Senior Staff, what would you want people to know about Jawonio?
I would share that being an employee of Jawonio is feeling supported by your supervisors and team members every day. At Jawonio, you are not only working at a job you love, but you are creating opportunities and experiences for the people we support.
