About Tara
Certified Health and Wellness Coach
My name is Tara and I’m a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, via the Wellness Inventory Program, which is a training course certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching.
I am motivated to help you reach your personal health and wellness goals. It makes me happy to see clients make the turnaround from living stressed and maxed out lives to regaining balance, clarity and ultimately, living happier and more inspired lives.
I developed my passion as a coach by going through a life changing process of my own. I left a stressful corporate job back in 2009, joined the Peace Corps and have started two businesses from the ground up. I am fulfilling my dream of living by the ocean, surfing almost every day, and being an entrepreneur. My life is still a work in progress but now I feel much closer aligned to my true self and highest purpose. I have learned so much about myself along the way and still learn every day.
If I can do it, you can too.
TARA’s Story
Back in 2009, I found myself at a crossroads in life. I was living in a picturesque mountain town in the U.S., fully employed, and had all the things that are supposed to make you happy. However, I wasn’t happy. I felt tired all the time and was stressed to the max. I wore black every day. Something needed to change. My sister mentioned the Peace Corps and after doing some research online, I realized I was craving adventure and wanted to make a positive impact on the world. By January 2010, I was in Guatemala as a Volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps and so began my journey of adventure. I finally felt alive and free!
After Peace Corps, I decided to launch my own business. It was another big leap. I stayed in Guatemala for three more years after Peace Corps, growing my travel business and enjoying the challenge of being an entrepreneur. Even though I lived on a shoestring budget – I continued to go after my dream happily because my “why” was strong and I believed in it. To me it was worth it. Others saw extreme sacrifice and I saw adventure.
After a surf trip to Costa Rica in 2013, this magical country stayed in my mind. My life was good but as a water lover, I always wanted to live by the ocean. After much contemplation and doubt, I decided to take another scary leap and move to Costa Rica. Over the past five years, I continued to grow my business, improve my surfing, and set more goals.
After all this time working on my dreams, I want to help other people achieve their dreams. If I can do it, you can too. Your ideal life isn’t out of reach. You don’t have to chuck it all and start over either. Small changes can often lead to large improvements in happiness. It’s your life. You can do what you want and it’s O.K. You don’t disappoint anyone by choosing you. It is never too late. Let’s start today!
“Tara’s calm and sensitive guidance made a world of difference to me”
~ Kate
Why Work With Me?
I’ve taken those scary leaps and lived to tell the tale on the other side. I’ve studied and successfully passed an accredited coaching program, so you can rest assured that my life experience and education offer that sense of perspective to guide you toward your best life. I can help you sort through the pieces, set goals, and be your biggest fan. You can do this!
Qualifications & Awards
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration – University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
- Certified Wellness Inventory Health and Wellness Coach
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- International Open Water Lifeguard – Costa Rica Coast Guard and ISLA Certified
Experience
- Waves of Wellness Coaching – Owner
- Viva Adventures – Owner/Operator/Guide
- U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer
- International Living – Staff Writer
Community Involvement
- Puedo Nadar – Swim Instructor
- CREMA – Sea Turtle Conservation
- Costa Ballena Lifeguard Association Board Member