Tara graduated from Murray State University in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture with a focus in Animal Health Technology. While at Murray State, she was an active member, and officer, in both the Pre-Vet/AHT club and Alpha Zeta.

After graduation, Tara worked full-time in private practice as a registered veterinary technologist, for 7 years. It was there that she discovered that she had a knack for communicating with people. She became responsible for educating most of the puppy, kitten, and exotic pet owners on how to provide the best care for their pets. This involved a great deal of behavioral husbandry counseling as well as providing traditional medical information. Tara says that many of their clients were coming to the veterinary office with out-of-date information, particularly when related to behavioral medicine.

Tara decided to devote her career to educating clients using current and accurate information. She began concentrating her continuing education courses on behavior and exotic animals, attending seminars such as those conducted by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She says this continuing education has not only provided a wealth of information, but also increased her enjoyment and confidence in advising and working with clients on the ever changing needs of their beloved family members.

In 2008, Tara is speaking at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)  and at the North Dakota Veterinary Technician Association meeting.

In 2006, she lectured at the Kentucky State Veterinary Medical Conference and at the Society of Veterinary Technicians/Jefferson College continuing education meeting.

In 2005, she lectured about species specific pocket pet behavior at the American Veterinary Medical Association annual meeting. 

Tara has also lectured at the Association of Avian Veterinarians international conference, and has been a guest speaker for numerous schools and clubs, including the Dunwoody (Georgia) Nature Center, Atlanta Bird Club, and the Animal Health Technology program at Murray State University. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a past officer of NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) and President of the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians.