Tana has served as an accomplished teacher, effective literacy coach, dedicated administrator, parish champion middle school track coach, high school Volleyball coach and administrative dean for over 23 years in the East Baton Rouge Parish School
System. As a parishioner and lector at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Tana believes in remaining deeply-grounded in her faith. Her pleasures include: staying physically active, making memories with family and friends, and exploring fashion! She is the proud owner of an authentic Baton Rouge Gazette newspaper from January 31, 1829 on its original linen. This newspaper covers the news of the day along with ads of runaway slaves and the sales of slaves. She is passionate about sharing this newspaper with the community because it often serves as a catalyst for discussion about how far we have come and how much more advocacy is needed to ensure equal
rights for all.
As a National Board Certified Teacher in literacy, Tana continues to use her knowledge and experience to support teachers in many ways, including a special focus on best practices for high academic student achievement. She mentors beginning teachers and works with the EBRPSS to assist, train, grow, and retain new teachers with nationally recognized researched-based practices.
Her community advocacy revolves around the youth. Tana is an official Big Buddy with The Big Buddy Program which provides positive role models and learning experiences for under-served youth. In addition, she is a motivational speaker to teenage mothers, a contributing educator for Humanities Amped, a BR Food Bank volunteer, and she serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. She is an active member of Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge on her second year as board member.
A native of Lafayette, Louisiana, Tana credits her success to her unrelenting parents, sister, and godmother. When she became a teenage mother at 16 years old, they guided her and ensured that she received a good education in order to support herself and her son. Tana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Masters in Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge.
She believes in living life to its fullest, laughing often, and sticking with people who pull the magic out and not the madness!