Tammy Damon 1948-2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tammy Damon, who died peacefully Thursday, December 7, 2023. There will be a memorial to honor the wonderful life of our dear Tammy in the Spring of 2024.
There have been few people as special as Tammy. For over 35 years, Tammy‘s leadership, love and devotion transformed Synergy from an idea to a thriving, vibrant school community. As a teacher, Tammy taught both math (in the early years), and middle school humanities. Through both subjects she challenged students to use critical and analytical thinking skills by solving problems and viewing the world through different perspectives. Tammy was innovative and introduced team teaching. Team teaching is connected to the school’s value of collaboration. Tammy’s pedagogical approach was always grounded in Synergy’s mission and values. Most importantly, the children were at the center of everything she did. Tammy would bandage a small cut with the same care and concern as she crafted the annual budget.
As the Director of Administration and Finance, Tammy stewarded Synergy’s resources. She deeply understood the importance of balancing finances and people power. Under her leadership, Synergy‘s class sizes grew and we added the middle school, and throughout remained financially stable.
As a Board member, Tammy embodied the concept of trustee. She modeled collective leadership. As the staff and families looked to her for guidance, she included all voices in the decision-making process. After she retired from teaching and her administrative role, Tammy continued to serve on the Board and other committees. She both honored Synergy’s traditions and made space for growth. We are forever grateful for Tammy. Her voice and vitality will be missed.
Fifty years ago, the seeds were planted for Synergy School. Tammy was a constant gardener nurturing, pruning, weeding, and planting new seeds…rest well thy good and faithful servant.
We send our love and support to Tammy’s life partner, Elena and their family.
–Tanya Baker
In Tammy’s own words from a 2017 article (read more here)
Synergy has been everything I dreamed of and more. I realized right away that the cooperative structure created an environment that brought out the best in everyone, promoting dedication, inspiration, creativity and responsibility to each other, our students and families.
–Tammy Damon, teacher, former Director of Administration and Finance, Alumni parent, and Emeritus Trustee