Tammy Thomas

Executive Director & President

Tammy Thomas is mother to 5-year-old Willy. In 2021, Willy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Craniosynostosis, a condition where a baby's skull fuses too early. Once the initial shock of these diagnoses faded, Tammy and her husband, Will, had to focus on finding the right support to help Willy thrive. Throughout their journey, they discovered how difficult it can be to parent a child with special needs.

Due to the challenges they encountered, Tammy created Willy’s World, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) fund with the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH. Her mission is to educate, support, guide, and offer resources to families and children with hidden disabilities like Autism and any other neurological disorders that are hidden from plain sight.

Tammy graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education from SUNY College at Buffalo. Over her 16 years in education, she has taught various subjects from 7th-grade English to Senior English, including Special Education. She has also advised student councils for 8th and 10th grades and participated in the Student Assistance Program.

With her strong background in education, Tammy is excited to make the community more sensory-friendly and aid families and children with hidden disabilities.

Email: tammy@willysworld.org