Meet the LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator Tonja Tarvin
As the facility LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator, my role is to create a welcoming in environment for LGBTQ+ Veterans by being an alley, advocate and educator on best practices for VA staff in regards to providing inclusive care to our LGBTQ+ Veterans.
I facilitate monthly support/discussion groups and a 10-week health education group for LGBTQ+ Veterans. G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center has an LGBTQ+ Care Coordination Consult for our Providers to link Veterans to me.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I am a lifelong resident of Jackson. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Louisiana Tech University and a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from “Thee I love” Jackson State University. I am married and the proud mother of a 5-year-old, 75-pound puppy.
Tell me how you came to work at the VA?
I have been a Social Worker for decades. I previously worked as a Child Abuse Investigator for the Mississippi Department of Human Services and Social Worker at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Jackson, Henley Young Juvenile Justice Center, Piney Woods Country Life School, Jackson Public Schools, and the Innovative Behavioral Services. I came to work at the VA because of a good friend who encouraged me to apply.
What roles have you had at the VA?
I have worked at this facility for 13 years through various programs, including Outreach Social Worker and HUD-VASH Case Manager for the Homeless Veterans program and the Primary Care Mental Health Integration program. I am a Strength at Home Regional Trainer and Clinician. I am currently the Program Manager for the Caregiver Support Program and have served as the LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator since 2017.
What is an interesting fact that many do not know about you?
I used to be an avid runner before COVID and have recently rejoined the running community.
What do you do for fun?
For me, fun can happen at any place and at any time. My greatest joy comes from my fur baby. He is the biggest baby on the planet. I’ve always considered myself adventurous. However, I learned in 2021, during a trip to Moab, Utah, that I am deathly afraid of heights and claustrophobic.
LGBTQ+ DISCUSSION GROUP
Every 3rd Friday of the month
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 p.m.
Location: by VA VIDEO CONNECT
Please contact your LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator for more information:
TONJA TARVIN, LCSW
601-364-1460