Tara received her bachelor's degree from Malone College in elementary education (1996) and her master’s degree from Cleveland State University in K-12 educational leadership (2002). She has completed most of the coursework towards a Ph.D. in urban education but needs to complete her dissertation. Tara taught a few years in an elementary school and then moved into administration where she completed over 20 years in public education at both the elementary and central office levels. She now enjoys a slower paced life where she enjoys spending time with family and friends.