Tia comes to Marian with more than 30 years of experience, having taught middle school English in St. Louis Public Schools, Hazelwood School District, and Parkway School District. She received her B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Spanish and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1993. After working for various radio stations and telecommunications companies, she earned her teacher certification in Special Education and English at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. In 2016, she earned a Master’s of Education with an emphasis in character education from Lindenwood University.

Family and community are a defining part of Tia’s life. She was born in Kansas City but has lived in St. Louis since elementary school. She has a son currently attending college as well as two German Shepherds and two rambunctious Tuxedo cats. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, baking, reading, and writing.