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Committed to individualized, person-centered advocacy.

Welcome! At Triangle SEA we believe that each and every person is unique as are the tools and supports they need to be successful in all areas of life. We believe that families are an equal part of the IEP or 504 team and strive to empower them during all aspects of ensuring their child receives an education that supports their needs and highlights their strengths.  We are pleased to offer both in-person and virtual advocacy services. Take a look around and see how we can support the needs of you and your loved one.

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We have provided services in the following counties in North Carolina: Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Durham, Chatham, Moore, Watauga, and Granville.

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TAMRA SMELSER, PRINCIPAL ADVOCATE

Education and Training

  • B.S. Child and Family Services with a concentration in Child Life, Harding University 2011 

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) 2017 

  • Infant, Toddler, and Family Specialist, 2017 - 2022 

  • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI+), Scales Training, 2015 - current 

  • COPAA (Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates) member

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Experience 

  • Early Interventions Services Coordinator, Raleigh Children's Developmental Services Agency 2017-2022

  • Teacher, event planner, and leadership team member of the Brooks Ave Church of Christ special needs program. 2015 - current

  • Instructor at Mariposa School for Children with Autism 2015-2017​

  • Behavior Interventionist, Easter Seals Southern California 2012-2014

  • Paraeducator in Special Education, Corona- Norco Unified School District, 2007-2012

  • Camper, counselor-in-training, and counselor at Easter Seals Southern California at YMCA Camp Oakes 

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About 

Tamra's journey engaging with people with various disabilities began at birth. She received early intervention getting services for both occupational therapy and physical therapy as an infant and toddler and attended Head Start preschool for 2 years before starting kindergarten. In elementary school Tamra received speech therapy and had the option of adaptive PE. Tamra's parents allowed her to have input into her own specialized education and Tamra stayed with her typical peers from kindergarten - 12th grade. 

Tamra attended Easter Seals summer camp from ages 9-15 then became a counselor-in training, and finally a counselor at a week-long sleepaway camp each August. 

Throughout her childhood and into adulthood, Tamra first learned the importance of advocacy when advocating for her own needs both in school and in the workplace. 

Tamra currently resides in Wake County with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. She is active in the special needs program at her church, loves to be a parent volunteer at her daughter's WCPSS elementary school, and is a co-leader for a local neurodiverse Girl Scout troop. 

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OUR SERVICES

MEETINGS

Attending school or other meetings including but not limited to any and all types of IEP meetings, IEP referral and eligibility, behavior manifestation, and 504s.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATION

We provide observation of behavior and/or services in a classroom, preschool, or daycare setting. A follow up will be provided to the family and staff as needed as well as collaboration on how to best support the student moving forward.

IEP ASSISTANCE

Navigate the IEP assessment and eligibility process.

IEP AND ASSESSMENT REVIEW

We will review your child's IEP and/or assessments and discuss findings, goals, and any additional areas of strengths or needs.

PROGRAM CONSULTING

Consulting for inclusion and implementation of programs in the church, workplace, or other community location.

OTHER SERVICES

Need assistance that is not listed above? Contact us and we can discuss if and how we can help!

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CONTACT US

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CHECK OUT OUR TESTIMONIALS

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Pink Bubbles

Parent from Garner, NC

Tamra is an AMAZING advocate for special education students in our county as well as the disabled community in general. Tamra is extremely knowledgeable regarding myriad services for children and adults and is an amazing asset to families and our community. I am a single mother of 4 here in Wake County and 2 of my children are severely autistic with other differences including sensory processing issues and pica.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tamra when she was assigned as my child's case manager during her tenure at the CDSA (Children's Developmental Services Agency). Tamra helped me with services for my child and also gave me a lot of advice for my other child that was already in the school system with an IEP. Tamra can help with guidance during IEP meetings and advocate for your child and I can tell you from my personal experience, she will treat your child/children as if they were her own. Tamra was even attentive and answered questions for my 2 children that don't have special needs, but were learning along with me.

Tamra is very professional, attentive, determined and I promise you, you would not regret having her help you navigate the complex world of disability services, the school system and acquiring other services. I was extremely overwhelmed when we first met because both of my children had just been diagnosed, but Tamra took us under her wing and made me feel so much more confident and comfortable with the processes.

My children love Tamra and her family....it was funny because when she started working with us we found out she literally lived in the same subdivision. Tamra's family has become framily (friends that are pretty much family).....because when people go above and beyond and do so much for your family.....they often become just like family and you develop a deep connection and respect.

I am so proud of Tamra for making this leap into consulting and starting her own business and I am also so extremely thankful that our community has her. You would not regret having her help you and your family......she's top notch in every way.​​​

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