Tammy Gerhard -

Tammy Gerhard: A Biography

Tammy Gerhard is a deeply compassionate and community-oriented individual whose life and work embody her motto: “Love Coffee Love People.” A wife, mother, friend, author, speaker, mentor, and certified school counselor, Tammy wears many hats with grace and an unwavering commitment to making the world a kinder place. She resides in Manchester, Connecticut, a community she joyfully serves every day alongside her family and friends.

In October 2016, Tammy became one of four co-owners of a specialty coffee shop in the heart of Manchester. Beyond serving excellent coffee, the shop is a true extension of her heart for people. Tammy plays a pivotal role in the business, overseeing Community Engagement and Charitable Giving with exceptional passion. Through the shop, she has fostered connection and generosity, particularly through the creation of the beloved “needs board.” This board invites customers and visitors to write down prayers and practical needs on note cards, allowing others in the community to step in with love and support. Time and again, Tammy has witnessed the power of this initiative to connect people and meet needs in beautiful, meaningful ways.

It is no surprise, then, that Tammy’s desire to inspire kindness has also made its way into her writing. As an author, Tammy has combined her lifelong love of storytelling with her vision for a world filled with compassion and empathy. Her debut picture book, Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs, centers on an important, universal question: Can you still love people even if they don’t love the same things you do? Tammy’s heartwarming story follows a mom and daughter as they show that anyone, regardless of their preferences or opinions, can express love and kindness to others through simple, everyday acts of joy.

Written in colorful rhyme, Cocoa Hugs and Coffee Mugs has become more than just a story. It serves as a bridge for conversations about respect, empathy, and kindness. The book has been shared in schools, community centers, nursing homes, and families across various settings, igniting thoughtful dialogue and inspiring small gestures of love. Tammy has a profound ability to use storytelling to touch hearts and promote meaningful lessons for children and adults alike.

Whether she is mentoring, speaking, writing, counseling, or simply sharing a smile over a cup of coffee, Tammy Gerhard is a source of light and encouragement to those around her. She believes in the beauty of human connection, the power of simple gestures, and the importance of creating environments where love can flourish. Tammy’s work—in her coffee shop, her book, and beyond—reminds us all to walk through life with kindness and joy and to care for the communities we are a part of.