In this get-to-know-you series, we’re asking each of our fantastic team members to tell us a little about themselves. Plus, we know it always helps to put a face (and a personality) with a name! They’re stellar people. We know you’ll agree!

Hi! I’m Legal Assistant Tammy Stark, and I’ve been on Leigh’s team for close to 11 years now. I love working here because I’m always learning something new and I love the people around me—both our clients and my coworkers.

When I’m not working, I enjoy quilting, traveling, and spending time with my family. Between my husband and myself, we have four children and four grandchildren. (In fact, my husband and I just got back from two weeks in Japan, where my son is currently stationed!)

The biggest challenge of my life thus far was becoming a widow at age 43. At the time, I had two teenagers and was working part-time in a high school cafeteria. So, in addition to dealing with the loss of my husband, Jose, I had to start providing more income for my family. My part-time wages couldn’t support the three of us.

Shortly thereafter, I enrolled in evening and online classes at Texas Woman’s University. It wasn’t an easy journey by any means, but I managed to get through it with the help and support of my family.

Quilting was also part of my “therapy” during this time. (Now, I simply quilt to relax and unwind.) The biggest lesson I learned through this tragedy was how strong I actually am. I also learned to enjoy each day to the fullest. You never know what’s going to happen next.

What happened next for me was truly a surprise! Ten years after my first husband died, I married my current husband, Greg. We actually met through work—Greg was a client struggling with the loss of his wife. And since we had a similar experiences, Leigh thought it would be a good idea for us to connect.

Turns out, it was a pretty good idea. The rest, as they say, is history.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know Tammy! We’ll have a new article next month from another one of our spectacular team members. We can’t wait for you to meet everyone. Until then!