Education

continuing education

Tara is deeply committed to cultivating both intellectual rigor and embodied, experiential depth in her educational practice. As learning environments rapidly shifted during the Coronavirus pandemic, she proactively expanded her expertise in online pedagogy through workshops and trainings with organizations such as The Modern Classrooms Project and National Institute for STEM Education, ensuring her virtual facilitation is as dynamic and effective as her in-person work.

Her approach is further enriched by training in Council facilitation through the Ojai Foundation and advanced Council Three leadership certification through the Center for Council, grounding her work in deep listening, authentic communication, and relational awareness. Complementing this, Tara holds a 200-hour yoga teacher, SEL, and mindfulness certification from Breathe for Change, which informs her commitment to integrative, embodied learning experiences. She has also explored the role of belonging and intentional inclusion in group spaces through Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering course, strengthening her ability to design meaningful and transformative learning environments.

Tara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences: Ecology from Simon's Rock College of Bard and has pursued graduate studies in integrative biology at Oklahoma State University and marine biology through Northeastern University's East/West Marine Biology Program (now called the Three Seas Program). She also holds a Master of Natural Science Education from Colorado State University, reflecting her strong foundation in both scientific inquiry and innovative pedagogy.

Tara also volunteers with LA Audubon/Nature Nexus Institute for US Fish & Wildlife to survey endangered birds.