OUR STORY

Being a domestic violence victim, turned survivor, Tara Lewis (Founder & CEO) knows the importance of empowering women, building them up to never enter, and or, to have the strength to leave a domestic violence relationship. Hence the founding of her nonprofit in 2020, Transitioning Thru Trauma to Triumph located in Pensacola, Florida. Our mission is to offer comprehensive support services to women, with or without children, who are seeking to leave an unstable and abusive environment. In tying the business and nonprofit together, Tara offers free financial literacy classes to domestic violence victims as well as the underserved population and youth and young adult groups in the community, so they can regain and gain control of their financial lives.

The founding executive directive was inspired to start the organization by identifying a need in the community brought on by issues of domestic violence among women and children in the surrounding counties. Tara believes in using her past struggles to help others avoid those same mistakes, so that they may succeed in every aspect of life. Tara is truly an example of a person who has transitioned from trauma to triumph, in every aspect & exudes empowerment in every sense of the word.

YOU'LL SEE OUR MISSION PROUDLY EXUDED IN OUR PAST PROJECTS SUCH AS...

May Fundraiser for Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month

We donated over 500 sanitary items and inspirational journals to local undisclosed locations of domestic violence victims through Favor House, another nonprofit organization that advocates for domestic violence victims and survivors.

OUR BOARD

Meet the amazing team of

President

TARA LEWIS

Tara Lewis is the CEO/ owner and operator of TML Credit Consulting LLC & Transitioning thru Trauma to Triumph. She has personally reviewed thousands of consumer credit files for individual clients and businesses with over a decade of personal credit management, credit repairing, and professional experience working in the credit industry.

Tara’s most important role is mother. She is a mother to 4 children and enjoys being involved in her children’s lives. She lost her 14 yr old son in 2012 due to cancer, so she thrives every day for her children to leave behind a legacy and solid financial habits for their future. Being a domestic violence victim, turned survivor, she knows the importance of empowering women, to build them up to never enter ,and or, to have the strength to leave a domestic violence relationship. In tying the business and nonprofit together, Tara offers free financial literacy classes to domestic violence victims as well as the underserved population and youth/young adult groups in the community, so they can regain/ gain control of their financial lives. She enjoys traveling, thrift store shopping, and relaxing on the beach. Her special interests include reading, investing in cryptocurrency and financial investing.

Vice President

CHERYL CALhOUn-EthErEDGE

Hailing from Foley Alabama, Cheryl embarked on a journey that resonated beyond her medical career. Graduating as a certified medical assistant in 2000. She embarked on a path that led her to Pensacola in 2004. With 15 years of diverse medical experiences spanning pulmonary cardiology, Family Medicine, and neurosurgery Cheryl's expertise shines as brightly as her compassion. Her altruism extends beyond medicine, serving as the board secretary for an organization from 2016 to 2018. And Human Relations Director until recently being voted as president of the board for the golden elite Track and Field Club. A youth nonprofit her husband Michael found it a champion of causes Cheryl also stands as the driving force behind smiles behind lupus and lupus Smilebox enhancing lives through her advocacy. Cheryl is a member of organizations like Sunday's child, African American Heritage Society, impact 100 Pensacola in the Pensacola Women's Alliance, Cheryl's voice resonates with impact. It was this passion that led her to launch Escambia in Santa Rosa black nonprofit face group. Witnessing the untapped potential of smaller nonprofit profits. Struggling with grants, Cheryl realized her knowledge and resources could be the beacon guiding them through the intricacies of the grant process. With unwavering commitment. She seeks to illuminate their paths, bridging gaps and propelling a impactful change.

Treasurer

CRYSTAL BErkLEy

Brings over 25 years of sales leadership experience in various industries, including retail mortgage, Small Business, and most recently private wealth. Her true passion lies in educating underserved communities, as well as anyone interested in financial literacy. Crystal finds immense joy in making a positive impact on people's lives with a particular focus on their financial well-being. She proudly served as an United Way ambassador for 2023 and is an active member of the United Way of Western Florida Community Investment Committee. Krystal holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of West Florida and actively engages with both the Escambia County and Santa Rosa chambers of Congress. As a member of the Pensacola Women's Alliance Crystal's humor shines through as she navigates interactions with her peers. She also holds a Florida life and annuity license. Crystal is a member of the pace Church of Christ, a Pensacola native crystal now resides in pace with her two children.

Secretary

ANGELA BROWN

A symbol of hope and resilience has turned her life's challenges into a mission to assist others. A survivor of domestic violence she brings a unique blend of personal experience and financial acumen to her role as a context center supervisor at Regent's bank Angela's dedication is fueled by her role as a proud mother, as she stands as a fierce advocate for those in need. Her goal is to create a world free from the shadow of domestic violence.

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Governence Committee Member

STEPHANIE BROOKS

Stephanie is an Organizational Administrative Manager at Louisiana Public Health Institute; she assists the CEO with carrying out strategic vision to champion health for people throughout communities and to ensure health and racial equity in Louisiana. Stephanie is a DEI certified equity advocate and assists institutes with incorporating equitable practices at public health organizations nationwide.

Stephanie has 16 years of experience in the nonprofit world, including Mental Health residential facilities, Head Start, and Finance. Stephanie most recently served as a Treasurer for a charter school in New Orleans. Stephanie also loves paper planning, and all things budget-related.

Board Member

SHTINA MOORE

With nearly a decade as a correctional officer at the Escambia County Sheriff's Department offers a unique perspective and extensive experience. Her firsthand exposure to the harsh realities of domestic violence, alongside her dedication to public safety, drives her passionate advocacy as a single mother to a 20-year-old son. She embodies resilience and strength. Shtina’s leadership is invaluable in steering our organization towards a safer future for all.

Board Member

CarLY RICCIO, MSW

Graduated from University of West Florida with her Masters of Social work, Bachelor's of Social work and Bachelor of Art in Criminal justice.

Currently holds the position of Behavioral health Manager at Health and Hope clinic. As well as a mental health therapist with The Healing Impact.

With a diverse career background she has worked in community mental health, forensic behavioral health, case management, healthcare, pharmacy and private practice clinical mental health therapy with both groups and individuals.

Carly has a passion for helping others, learning and educating others. While also pursuing future roles in leadership & working toward licensure as a registered clinical intern to continue growing her career.

Born and raised in Pensacola, FL. She enjoys going to the beach, reading and spending time with family, friends, and fur babies in her free time.