She has developed an Environment-Based Learning (EBL) program at the college, providing professional development for teachers and a Master of Education degree in EBL. The program encourages K-12 teachers to take students outside and to use the local environment to teach all subjects including reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and art. A primary goal is to engage students in outdoor learning experiences so that they will connect with nature in a meaningful way. Tamra lives on the side of Little North Mountain, VA in an 1850s farmhouse with her husband, Michael Pelton.