Areas of Experience

 Growing up in a diverse family in the south, then moving to First Nations lands in Canada, Tahirih Varner developed a natural curiosity for other perspectives early on. So much so that she was leading community dialogues on race relations and stereotyping by middle school. She was hooked on being a peacemaker and has dedicated her time and energy over the past few decades to conflict management work that seeks to empower both groups and individual group members to function harmoniously.

Tahirih has a Master of Science Degree in Conflict Management, attained Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP) status through the International Ombudsman Association, is a licensed trainer of the International Institute of Restorative Practices, and of the CRETE (conflict resolution for educators) curriculum funded by the JAMS Foundation.

Tahirih served most recently as a term organizational Ombuds with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution from 2019-2023.  Prior to joining the CADR team, Tahirih served as the Director of Ombuds Services at the University of West Georgia and worked as an Ombuds and system-wide mediator across the University System of Georgia for nine years.