Tammy Burson

Tammy Burson currently serves as a Family Mentor with the Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Team (START) at the University of Kentucky. In this role, she utilizes her lived experience in recovery to provide guidance, support, and advocacy for families navigating substance use challenges while involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). Tammy works closely with caregivers to help them identify strengths, overcome barriers, and build sustainable pathways toward recovery and family stability.

Throughout her professional journey, Tammy has held a variety of roles that have contributed to her strong work ethic, resilience, and passion for helping others. However, she has found her true calling within the START program, where she is able to combine her personal experience with professional skills to make a meaningful impact. Tammy is deeply committed to walking alongside families as they work through the challenges of addiction, offering hope, encouragement, and practical support rooted in understanding and compassion.

As a Family Mentor, Tammy collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of social workers, clinicians, and recovery professionals who specialize in substance use and family-centered care. She plays a key role in fostering trust and engagement with families, helping them navigate complex systems, access resources, and remain motivated in their recovery journey. Tammy is especially passionate about reducing stigma, promoting accountability, and empowering families to recognize their potential for growth and change.

Tammy holds Peer Support certifications in both Ohio and Kentucky, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuing education in the field of recovery support services. She values being on the front lines of this work, where she can directly support families in real-time, advocate for their needs, and contribute to positive, lasting outcomes.

Driven by purpose and guided by her lived experience, Tammy remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the families she serves, helping them move from crisis to stability and toward a healthier, more hopeful future.