Meet Tara
It’s never too late to discover your authentic self.
I already had a successful and rewarding career when my youthful, spontaneous, unaffected self
inspired me to take a new direction.
I had spent years working in the Justice System. For someone like me--passionate, compassionate,
energetic, and committed to helping people thrive--it seemed like a good fit. And it was a good
fit.
But it wasn’t the perfect fit. Deep down, I knew I had something more to offer.
It was only when I started a family and took a leave of absence that I gave myself the space to
ask, “Where do I want to go from here?” To find the answer, I had to look at the strength in my
roots.
As a little girl, my nickname (one of many) was “Smiley.” I was optimistic, happy-go-lucky, and
totally irrepressible. Although I had two older brothers, I was always the brave one who would
do it first. Once, my mother told my brother and I that if we didn’t behave in a restaurant, the
cook would throw us in a soup pot. After thinking it over, I marched into the restaurant kitchen
and asked the cook if that’s what he was going to do and then marched right back out with my
hands on my hips to tell my mom that he actually wasn’t going to do it.
I was curious and I didn’t see the sense in living in fear. Life was exciting and exploring it
felt exhilarating. Even at that very young age, I honoured honesty and had a thirst for truth.
I realized that somewhere along the way, I had lost track of what truly inspired me--the essence
of who I was. The joyfulness. The curiosity. The courage.
Reconnecting with my intuitive self led me to a new career as a coach. Coaching empowered me to
use everything I had learned working in the justice system and approach it in a more positive
light. And with that, everything fell into place. I am now more engaged. More energetic. More
purposeful and effective than I had ever been before. Best of all, it feels natural, real,
balanced, and as if I was born to coach. I recaptured the spirit that was within me all along,
waiting to be set free.
Now I am thrilled to be working with people and organizations to help them find new strength,
energy, and focus by reconnecting to authenticity and rediscovering their values. To learn more
about my approach and see whether it’s right for you, I invite you to sign up for an hour long True Fit Assessment.
Coaching Philosophy
Made for this work, I am a skilled professional coach, facilitator and consultant devoted to helping northerners thrive. I bring over 20 years of leadership experience working throughout the justice system, as a business owner and as a private and professional coach. I recognize the importance of a values based, client centered, holistic approach that answers to the evolving complexity facing both leaders serving the north and the unique needs of our northern populations.
I believe that we are all leaders in work and life and that genuine leadership starts from within. This comes from understanding your values, your strengths and your personal needs. Working with me requires a willingness to get to know yourself well, reconnect with who you are at your core, have a strong awareness of your identity, ground into your foundation and leverage your innate wisdom to inform and guide you.
I provide an environment of strict confidentiality and anonymity. I help leaders see situations with fresh eyes. I provide objective and direct feedback, a sounding board for introspection, and an accountability partner to ensure you follow through with the commitments you make to yourself and to others.
You already have what you need to succeed. I will support you to draw from this solid foundation so you can show up genuinely, lead with integrity, and face challenges feeling confident and decisive.
Coaching Credentials
I started my coaching business in 2014 while simultaneously earning my Integrative Health Coach training through Mount Royal University. I have not stopped taking coaching courses since that time and in 2023 obtained a graduate certificate in Advanced Coaching Practices through Royal Roads University. In addition to my coach training, I am a certified practitioner of the Leadership Circle Profile and Collective Leadership Assessment tools, the most comprehensive leadership assessment systems available that measure both the inner and outer attributes of leadership.
While I am not an accredited International Coach Federation (ICF) coach, I am a member of the ICF and my coach training meets the rigorous standards of the International Coach Federation (ICF), the most recognized and respected regulating body worldwide. I take pride in upholding the strict code of ethics, standards and core competencies of the ICF in every client engagement.
Fun facts:
- I was born in Alberta but consider myself a Yukoner having moved here at a young age, raised my family here and made it my home.
- I coach people in life, leadership, wellness and business.
- I have a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Justice Studies, an Associates Degree in Criminology and am (very slowly) working towards a Master’s of Arts in Organizational and Executive Coaching.
- I played Volleyball for Mount Royal University and am a lifelong athlete with running being my most valued current sport.
- I wear many hats—mother, wife, daughter, aunt, sister, career woman and friend—and it’s a tough but rewarding balancing act.
- My health is extremely important to me because it helps me wear all of those hats.
- My family is my life—don’t mess with it!
- I wear my heart on my sleeve but I value honesty and respect.
- I love coffee and dessert but I try to eat clean as much as possible - I am human!
- I always look at the bright side.
- If you ask me my honest opinion you’ll get it.
