Management Team

Tamra Parko, LCSW, has dedicated more than 20 years to the field of social work, beginning her career in 2002 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley State College. She later pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work, which she completed in 2017. Throughout her career, Tamra has had the opportunity to serve individuals and families in a variety of roles, including four years as a case worker with DCFS and six years with the Office of Licensing.

Tamra has been part of Hopeful Beginnings since before its doors officially opened and has loved witnessing the growth of the organization and the community’s embrace of its in-home model of care. She initially worked in Skills Development while completing her master’s degree and transitioned into a clinician role after graduation. She currently serves as the Outpatient Program Director, where she supports clients, oversees outpatient services, and leads the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program alongside a dedicated team of therapists.

Tamra enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan but has a special passion for working with children. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, sand tray therapy, trauma therapy, and DBT. Her approach is grounded in compassion, connection, and the belief that every person has the ability to heal, grow, and create meaningful change.

Originally from the Salt Lake area, with several childhood years spent in Kansas City (Go Chiefs!), Tamra values the importance of community and relationships. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and loved ones. She loves traveling, experiencing new places, warm weather, and especially spending time near the ocean, whether relaxing on the beach or scuba diving. Tamra’s favorite saying is, “Be the Change You Want to See in the World,” a philosophy that guides both her personal and professional life.