We are CAN | Tammy Bernier
In her own words:
I believe every human being is capable of living a life shaped by their gifts, dreams, and deepest purpose. That belief comes from my beginnings in Indiantown, Michigan—born to teenage parents, the oldest of five and later eight children. My childhood held both trauma and blessings: a father, Terry, who taught us to dream boldly; a mother, Jacqulyn, whose faith and struggle with mental illness shaped my resilience; and a stepmother, Leslie, whose thoughtful and consistent parenting became a gift. These experiences forged in each of us a deep commitment to healing. They strengthened my belief that our past does not define us and that we are capable of healing, growing, forgiving, and being forgiven.
Everything changed for me with the birth of my daughter, Sarah. In her, I discovered a fierce, protective love that ignited my desire to learn, grow, and build something better than what I had known. When I married my beloved husband, David, in 1990, I was given three more beautiful people to love—Josh, Justin, and Katy. As our kids created their own families, we were blessed with beautiful “in-loves” Peter, Hayley, Alison, and Todd (respectively), and our 11 grandchildren( in order): Grace, Ella, Claire, Ryan, Charles, Olivia, Penny, Angel Baby Miles, Sophia, Monty, and Margot. Together, we cultivated a legacy of love that continues to steady me, especially since David’s passing. His absence deepens my gratitude for the extraordinary family we built together.
My path to the CAN Council was undeniably a “God thing.” A conversation with my business coach, followed by an invitation from my sister-in-love, then CASA, Patricia Coven, led David and me to a Take a Stand for Children breakfast. Listening to Suzanne Greenberg and her team’s message of hope—and trying not to cry during The 11th Commandment: “Honor Thy Children” video—I felt the call: I might not do the direct work, but I would help ensure the work could be done. Every visit since has left me inspired by the extraordinary humans who stand for children and families. This continues today.
That call expanded at the state level when Governor Whitmer appointed me to Children Trust Michigan. For six years, I had the privilege of working again with the visionary possibilitarian Suzanne Greenberg, Board Chair Amy Tattrie-Loepp, and a dedicated staff and board. Together, we stewarded ARPA funding that quadrupled our budget and helped launch 11 Family Resource Centers across the state—strengthening families through the essential Screen Out process, so support reaches them before a crisis becomes tragedy.
At Duperon Corporation, I lead with the same mission-driven heart. Together with my father, Terry Duperon, and Mark Turpin—who now leads our company as president and co-owner—we have built a culture grounded in TEAM DUPERON: Daring to Make a Difference—for people, for water, and for the planet. We know that business can be a force for good, and I am so very grateful that our team lives that commitment every day. A perfect example of these amazing humans is when we celebrated our 40th anniversary last year. Our team honored employees, suppliers, reps, key stakeholders, and community members who shaped our journey by completing over 120 acts of gratitude through community service in recognition of their contributions.
Receiving this award humbles me deeply. To be recognized as someone who stands for children is one of those true “wow” moments. After a lifetime shaped by those who stood for me and continue to do so—my beloved family, cherished friends, coaches, and mentors, devoted organizations, and our community—I am grateful beyond measure for the incredible hearts I’ve walked beside and for the privilege of playing even a small part in creating a world where every child is safe, supported, and free to become who they were meant to be.