Tamika Dawkins joined the North Carolina Homeless Education Program (NCHEP) as a Program Specialist for Special Populations in June 2023. Tamika has a wealth of knowledge surrounding best practices and treatment modalities for children who have experienced trauma. She began her work as a Behavioral Health Counselor at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility in Charlotte, NC. Through her work, Tamika was able to deliver an array of services to support children and their families to exercise self-determination and achieve their potential. This work sparked her passion for working more intensely with children and their families. In 2016, she became a Licensed Clinician working as a Child and Family Therapist. Tamika enjoyed providing intensive individualized support to children and families who were experiencing significant emotional or behavioral challenges.

Additionally, Tamika has worked for the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. She valued the opportunity to preserve and strengthen families’ capacity to protect and nurture their children. Prior to working at SERVE, Tamika worked as a School Social Worker. She considers the experience gained as a School Social Worker as a catalyst for her passion for working with children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. Her passion is to bring awareness about how to best support one of our most vulnerable and underserved populations.

Tamika holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Studies from the illustrious Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Winthrop University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. In her leisure time, Tamika enjoys shopping, engaging in outdoor activities, reading, and most importantly, spending time with her family.