| Tracy C. Wharton |
 |
 |
| I am known to some by my hebrew name, Tamar, and to a very precious few as Running Wolf, or Wolf, a name given to me many years ago. Appreciative of the education I have been gifted by life, I graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts High School. After a stumbling start at college life, I eventually graduated with both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology. After some time in the field of practice, I have returned to school for my PhD in Social Work. I have the privilege of volunteering with organizations in my area, and you can find a list of some of them on this page. I currently work at the Center for Mental Health and Aging at the University of Alabama. My research foci include secondary traumatic stress and intervention research/ operationalization of evidence in human services. I was awarded a Graduate Council Fellowship from the University of Alabama in 2004-5, and have been awarded a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, and recognition of volunteer service from Cape Cod Children's Network/ DSS, the Red Cross, and Special Equestrians. My research has been accepted to national and international conferences, and information about this and my current and pending publications can be found on my CV. I have been trained as a Usui Reiki Master/Teacher, also trained in Angelic & Intuitive Reiki methods. I have applied this practice in my psychotherapy practice and with animals with whom I have worked. No bio of me would be complete without mentioning my animals, my music and my fire: I have apprenticed with Dr. Marguerite Malone of Serendipity Farm in the practice of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, and Equine-Facilitated Education. I have been privileged to have learned about the human-animal bond, compassionate and sensitive training of horses, and how to work across species to add incredible dimensions to learning. I have been a performer all my life, spending time traveling with the Rennaissance Faires on the east coast and mid-west United States, working in the Boston theatre scene, touring with several musical theatre productions, and working with some wonderful regional and local theatre companies. I have spent some time with Gypsy Red Tribe and Nawar in Birmingham, AL, learning to improve my tribal dance skills and drumming. I can also be found dancing with fire, as a part of the PyroSalto tribe in Birmingham, AL. Drumming (west-african style, celtic bones, middle eastern), celtic music (yes, I'm really a singer), dancing (tribal fusion, ballet, ethnic), and fire performance will always be a part of who I am. I am a member of the families of Earthdrum Council, and of Earthspirit, a non-profit organization home-based in Massachusetts with members worldwide. I have a wonderful arabian horse-sister, Picabo, who has taught me a great deal about life and myself over the years. She has an absolutely gorgeous half-arab/quarter-horse baby girl named Khara, who I am currently ground training. Although I am primarily a dog person, I have been adopted by a cat, and have found myself providing a home for my sister's cat as well, as she goes off on her life path elsewhere. Haley and Bella remind me not to work too hard, or get so wrapped up in my work that I forget to feed them! For a completely non-professional peek into my life and hobbies, and to check out some of my fascinating, fun, and brilliant extended family of friends, find me on myspace under Wolf. Don't be surprised- that's me painted blue for a benefit performance! You can also check out pictures from my conference trips overseas at KodakShare, under twharton Click here for some pictures of friends, family, performance, and other miscellaneous tidbits. I would also recommend checking out the following excellent resources: |
| Volunteering & advocacy in my community is very important to me. Here are a few of the organizations with which I have had the privilege of getting involved: Rotary International North American Riding for the Handicapped Association member International Association of Reiki Practitioners American Association of Marital & Family Therapists Red Cross volunteer since 1985, responding to 3 major disasters KidOne volunteer, Birmingham, AL Special Equestrians, Birmingham, AL Bama Equine Assisted Therapy & Evermore, Tuscaloosa, AL Children's Policy Council, Jefferson County, AL Nat'l Breast Cancer Coalition Blue Star Mothers of America, National Chapter 1 member International Federation of Social Work Friend American Evaluation Association Member Society for Social Work Research Member Doctoral Student Organization: UA School of Social Work |
| Military Resource Page: for families and friends of soldiers, as well as soldiers/sailors/airmen who are seeking info or resources. Please support our military families. |
|
| I have been very fortunate to have had some amazing people gift me with their teaching. I honor them and do my best to represent them well! Music & dance have a way of bringing people from all backgrounds together in a spirit of joy, in a way that nothing else can. |
   |
 |
| ASL video dictionary: Sign language is a complete language, with grammar and syntax. Non-hearing ppl have a distinct culture deserving of awareness. |
| Click here to see my Curriculum Vitae |