Tiffany Barnes teaches special education at Wheeling Middle School in Ohio County, West Virginia. She holds a professional teaching certification endorsed in multicategorical special education (PK–adult), autism and as a reading specialist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in human development and family studies from American Military University and a Master of Education in reading from West Liberty University.

In addition to her teaching credentials, Barnes is a certified personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. A two-time Iraq War veteran with the U.S. Army Military Police, she earned the Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. She brings discipline, leadership and compassion to both her classroom and community.

Barnes is the founder and coach of the Girls on the Run Heart and Sole team at Wheeling Middle School and initiated the Wreaths Across America program at two local cemeteries. She has established the school’s annual Autism Acceptance 5K race to support special education classrooms throughout Ohio County. She is a board member for the Martins Ferry Football Mom's Association and the Education Alliance. She is an active member of Team Red, White & Blue, where she honors fallen soldiers by running half-marathons with a full rucksack, gas mask and flags, along with being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, West Virginia Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi.