Tina received her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and her master’s degree from Spring Arbor University. She taught English for speakers of other languages and taught pre-service teachers at Huntington University and Ivy Tech before transitioning into youth development work as director of an after-school program. It was in that context that Tina realized the most effective approach to engaging and empowering young people is through developing relationships and providing resources that support their families, schools, and communities.