2:30-3:30pm Rock Your Supporting Role: How to Excel in Service Without Losing Yourself

Tara is a certified birth doula, ICEA Approved Trainer, and Bringing Baby Home Educator with more than 20 years of experience supporting families in the Chicagoland area. Her specialties include providing evidence-based information and resources, enhancing partner support, healthcare advocacy, and educating families on birth, parenting, marriage, and caregiving.

Tara’s passion for birth began at age 13 when she witnessed a birth while living in Kenya. After a career in public relations and publishing, the births of her four children inspired her to pursue childbirth education and doula work. Motivated by her own challenges finding reliable support as a new parent, she dedicated her career to helping families feel informed, empowered, and confident during the transition to parenthood.

In addition to her certifications as an ICEA Certified Birth Doula and ICEA Approved Trainer, Tara has completed advanced training in childbirth education, Spinning Babies, bereavement support, breastfeeding education, trauma-informed care, and comfort and coping measures. She is also the cohost of the With U Podcast with her husband, David, where they explore relationships and life transitions. A sought-after speaker, Tara presents locally and internationally on marriage, birth, parenting, caregiving, and building sustainable family relationships.

Tara enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, kayaking, traveling, and making memories with her husband, four grown children, and granddaughter.