Tamela joined the office as an Investigator in February 2024 after serving over 19 years at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). During her time at DES, she most recently served over seven years as the Assistant Ombudsman with the DES Ombudsman’s Office where she investigated complaints about the various DES programs and services.  She also served within the DES Family Assistance Administration (FAA) where she held positions that included conducting quality assurance reviews on case determinations and helped review, write, and train on FAA program policies and procedures.  Tamela has completed the New Ombudsman Training offered by the United States Ombudsman Association (USOA) and received her certification in Mental Health First Aid.  She is also certified as an Investigator/Inspector by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR).