Photos
Dennis Kochem, Director of Lodging
Colgate Inn
Seventh Grade Assembly
Assemblies are a great opportunity to reach large numbers of people at once. This 7th Grade Assembly was particularly moving because it was at Tami's own alma mater!
Salute to Champions
Tami was honored to be named one of Bergen County's "Salute to Champions" recipients. She is passionate about the work that she does and to be recognized for doing something she loves is truly a gift!
Temple Program
Religious organizations are a perfect fit for the workshops that Tami does. Often students and parents come together to be part of back to back presentations. Tami's workshops get conversations started in families with a religious twist so that people can actively think about who they are as members of a community and the larger world.
Third Graders
Speaking at schools across the country is a fabulous opportunity to share Tami's main message: "differences are great and when we embrace diversity we show respect to ourselves and others!" People of all ages from pre-schoolers through adults have something to gain from Tami's various programs.
Ski Racing
As a competitive skier Tami had the opportunity to race as a member of the National Sports Center for the Disabled Ski Team, based in Winter Park, Colorado. She raced at many amazing ski areas in the United States and Canada. She once set her sights on making the Paralympic Ski Team.
Journalist with NBC News
Tami was a journalist for NBC News. She worked with many interesting and talented people. In this photo Tami was producing a story about rollercoasters
Life With Leggies
People say, "How does it feel to have one leg?" I usually laugh, which catches people off guard, because as you can see from this image, I don't have one leg I have lots and lots of legs in all shapes and sizes and for all walks of life!
Age 8 Gymnastics
Tami wanted to be a gymnast from a young age. Her parents found a coach, Suzy Prudden, who believed in Tami and her potential. She worked hard and enjoyed every minute of being an athlete!
1979 P.S. 84
Tami became her own advocate at a very young age. She began what would be her career as a public speaker at a young age when she gave "show and tell" workshops for her classmates and teachers. Talking about things honestly and with humor helps in every situation!
Age 2
Tami's parents dressed her as they would any other child. When people stared and asked questions about leggi Tami and her family were ready!
Fifth Grade Students and Leggi
Life with leggi has always been different and unique for Tami. Passing around the "leggies" is one of the highlights of her programs with young people. It is not often that young people can ask all of their questions in a safe and nurturing environment. Tami feels that it is empowering for students to be able to ask and for her to be able to share "warts and all." At the end of the day everyone realizes that, as Tami says, "we are all people and we all want to be treated with respect."
Seventh Graders in Classroom
An ideal school program includes a faculty meeting, a parent meeting and a large assembly followed by smaller in-depth classroom visits, as pictured here.