contact
info@tamarasaltman.com
Tamara Saltman
Writer. Facilitator. Scientist. Analyst.
Sometimes solving problems requires seeing with new eyes
ABOUT ME
I am a certified lean process improvement black belt, a trained scientist and program analyst, and a licensed clinical social worker. I see problems as opportunities for improvement and know that bad processes and poor communication are holding many teams and organizations back. I specialize in helping work teams identify their problems clearly, define what it would look and feel like to fix them, choose the solutions that will work best for them, and put in place practices and structures to make those solutions stick.
Training
I am trained in strategic planning, virtual facilitation, lean six sigma black belt, lean six sigma green belt, lean facilitation, and mediation.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (Maine) and a Licensed Certified Social Worker (Massachusetts). I have a Masters of Social Work (MSW) with a clinical concentration from The Catholic University of America, a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Marine Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Natural Resources Management with a concentration in American Indian Studies from Cornell University.
My SERVICES
facilitation
Sometimes it is helpful to have a neutral third party who has experience in difficult conversations help your team get back on track. I can help you plan and lead meetings, webinars, and workshops and facilitate all or part of them. I facilitate everything from one hour webinars to week-long workshops and have worked with groups that include scientists, technical experts, managers, senior leadership, administrative staff, citizen advocates, representatives from state and local governments, and more.
lean training
I can train your team or organization in basic lean principles as well as related techniques such as visual management, lean leader behaviors, and identifying metrics. I can help your team set up systems to track workflow and dashboards to assess progress electronically or “old school” on paper on the wall. I can also provide training certifications.
lean workshops
Lean workshops are a basic building block of process improvement work, where a team comes together to dissect the old way of doing the work in detail in order to fully understand what works and what is holding them back. The team then designs the new way of doing work within the framework set by their management, and implements the changes immediately. This practice is almost always paired with tools like agile-based “huddles” and visual management to help the new process take hold and prevent the team from sliding back into the old way of doing things.
strategic planning
Every organization keeps an eye on the outside world and periodically adjusts its approach, structure, and priorities to ensure that it is in the best position possible to meet its goals. I can help your management team design and implement a strategic planning process, facilitate all or part of the work, and coach your team through the work of turning a new strategic plan into a stronger and healthier organization.
Testimonials
“The most helpful thing? Honestly just the clear approach to problem identification followed by the solution process. I will be using this in my personal life. I wish we had more time… absolutely fantastic.”
“Great job! Super valuable to me, tackling a long-standing issue. This demonstrates how to get buy-in and show shared issues.”
“Thank you! you helped us work through issues we hadn’t been able to break down before.”
“Tamara doesn’t just facilitate Lean events—she designs lasting transformation. Over a decade ago, she started guiding our team through a series of complex process improvements, helping us set outcomes that seemed ambitious at the time. Today, after many wins and several structural transformations, our actual results still hit those projections dead-on. That rare ability to combine visionary planning with enduring efficiency has saved thousands of hours, freed up critical capacity, and forever elevated how our agency serves the public.”
Contact me to learn how I can help your organization thrive
Tamara Saltman 