Tamika Daniel began as SCAN’s Behavioral Health Community Organizer in August 2019 through a partnership with Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. Utilizing her expertise and experience, she brings SCAN’s work in Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma and resilience to the community through trainings and forums. She also assists in building resilience and facilitating healing through empowerment and connection through a trauma-informed and equity lens. Additionally, she brings her voice and advocacy to meetings and tables throughout the community. We are thankful to have Tamika’s leadership, kindness, expertise, and voice at SCAN!
What is your role at SCAN? What brought you to the role?
I am the Behavioral Health Community Organizer (BHCO) at SCAN. This entails me taking my knowledge of ACES, trauma, and resilience and putting my own spin on it to bring it back to the community I live and work in. I found SCAN in an unlikely way. I was speaking at a quarterly Smart Beginnings meeting and a SCAN staff member heard me. SCAN was hiring for the BHCO position and reached out thinking I would be a good fit. My mentor at Peter Paul Development Center encouraged me to apply, helped me prepare and I got the job. I couldn’t be happier being part of SCAN and this work.
What inspires you in your work at SCAN?
All the new information I’ve learned inspires me. I’ve been through a lot in my life and have seen others endure a lot. It is often minimized and seen as being normal. This work has shown me that what we have experienced is trauma and it’s ok to get help. Bringing this knowledge out in the community to help people inspires me.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year in your work?
I hope to reach as many people as possible and continue to perfect my trainings for the community. I’m also passionate about self-care and am interested in maybe bringing this to the community I live in. I hope to continue to expand my horizons and education in this work.
Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?
Yes. I sit on the Board of Directors and steering committee at Peter Paul Development Center. I also co-convene their High School Action Team.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve had a rocky life and was able to bounce back and attain something I didn’t think was possible. It’s not how you start and how many times you fall, but how you finish that makes all the difference. There are people out there with good intentions and its ok to let them in.
