For Tamara Ware, working in mental health and case management is deeply personal. Her own life experiences inspired her to enter the field and become the kind of support she once needed herself. That perspective continues to shape the compassionate, empathetic care she provides every day at HWS Best Health Counseling.

Throughout her career, Tamara has worked with a wide range of individuals and families, including children and young adults in crisis, adults navigating addiction and mental health challenges, and individuals with developmental disabilities. She has also spent time partnering with Mercy Health to help build a program supporting pregnant women and new mothers experiencing substance use disorders, connecting them with services, medication management, and crisis intervention support. In addition, she served as a peer support specialist in emergency room settings and most recently spent several years advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities while ensuring quality care and compliance with Ohio regulations.

Tamara has extensive experience helping clients access resources and supports related to housing, transportation, budgeting, life skills, behavioral support, addiction services, and mental health care. Her approach centers on empathy, accountability, and genuine connection. She believes people thrive when they feel truly seen and understood—not judged—and when they know someone is standing beside them through life’s challenges.

Clients and colleagues often describe Tamara as someone who naturally connects with people, especially individuals who may struggle to trust others or open up. She believes much of that connection comes from her lived experience and her ability to meet people where they are with honesty and compassion. Tamara is currently working toward renewing her Peer Support and CDCA certifications and hopes to continue her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Outside of work, Tamara enjoys horseback riding with her two daughters, creating epoxy tumblers, and renovating furniture. She is proud of how far she has come in her own journey and hopes her story reminds others that healing and growth are always possible.

As Tamara reflects: “Something I’ve learned from working with people is they just want someone to truly see them—their heart, their struggles, and their needs.”