Tia: A Life of Creative Service in Mill Valley

Tia holds a special place in the heart of the Tam Valley community.

Tia was born in San Diego.  She moved to Mill Valley in 1962 with her husband and two daughters, where, besides building their home and adding two more children to their family, Tia began working as the yard supervisor at Marin Terrace School; a public elementary school in Homestead Valley.   When Marin Terrace school closed in 1978, she transitioned to Tam Valley School, where she taught art and managed the before and after-school supervision programs. Additionally, she taught art at Old Mill School.

At 88, Tia still runs the after-school program at Tam Valley Elementary School.

Tia has always been deeply involved in her community, especially as it related to her kids. She started leading Girl Scout troops when her eldest daughter became a Brownie.  Tia took her scouts on camping, hiking, and biking adventures across Marin County and beyond. Tia continued leading Girl Scouts even after her youngest grew up and left scouting. Tia continued leading Girl Scout troops at Tam Valley School through 2021, when her last troop graduated from high school.   She continues to volunteer with the Girl Scout Service Unit, helping out where ever needed.

Tia also coached her son’s Little League team, and even after he moved on, she continued coaching in the Pee Wee league. Tia led her son’s Boy Scout troop and volunteered for the Special Olympics for over 20 years.

Tia never learned to drive a car, preferring to walk, bike, or take public transportation, and Tia loves traveling by train.  Years ago, Tia would walk down to Tam Valley Elementary at 6:30 AM every morning from her home near the top of Hawk Hill, and walk back home every evening after 6:30 PM.

She taught arts and crafts at the Mill Valley Community Center as well as the Redwoods Retirement home, and has been a long-time volunteer at the Tam Valley Community Center.

For almost 30 years, Tia and her Girl Scouts have volunteered at the Mill Valley Arts Festival, as well as the Mountain Play, where they helped people in wheelchairs, as well as anyone who needed help carrying their picnic gear and chairs, to find their spots in the theatre.

Tia has a passion for reading, especially while learning a new craft to teach "her kids." The wide variety of art projects Tia creates are for both children and adults and include: pottery, origami, printmaking, puppet-making, basket weaving, beadwork, sewing, and countless other creative projects. She is also known for crafting and gifting numerous treasures such as teddy bears, sock monkeys, Raggedy Ann dolls, miniatures, piñatas, and a host of other delightful creations.

Tam Valley holds a special place in Tia’s heart, from the children she has cared for, to the natural beauty of the area. Her favorite spot is along Tennessee Valley Road, where the hills lead to the ocean—a peaceful retreat she has always cherished.

Tia’s impact on those around her is undeniable. She has a unique way of helping others see the beauty in themselves and the world. One of her daughters reflects, “My mom always believed in the value of the individual contribution, however far from perfect, whether it was a crooked line or a unique personality. She taught me to appreciate the special qualities in everyone.”