Tara’s journey with Candlelight Ranch began in 2006, during one of the most profound and heartbreaking moments of her life. After her beloved daughter, Reese, took her last breath in her arms due to a terminal illness, a compassionate doctor introduced Tara and her family to Candlelight Ranch. From that moment on, the Ranch became a place of healing, solace, and purpose for Tara, and she has been passionately dedicated to its mission ever since.
In the years following, Tara has served in various leadership roles, including two terms as Board President, and has contributed as a valued member of the Advisory Council. Today, she is honored and thrilled to step into her new role as Candlelight Ranch’s first-ever Development Director. Tara has witnessed firsthand how the Ranch has transformed thousands of lives—her own included—since she joined the organization over a decade ago.
One of the most meaningful milestones in her journey with Candlelight Ranch is the creation of Reese’s Treehouse. Within just nine months, Tara was able to raise $50,000 to bring this dream to life, dedicating the enchanting treehouse in her daughter’s memory. Today, the Treehouse is a cherished retreat for countless children, and nothing fills Tara’s heart more than hearing kids say they’ve had the best day of their lives exploring and sleeping in Reese’s Treehouse. As a mother, volunteer, and now a staff member, hearing those magical words is a testament to the joy and healing the Ranch provides.
Tara’s professional background includes a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness Promotion with a Secondary Education certificate. After graduating, she began her career with the American Cancer Society in 1999, where she discovered her passion for community outreach and fundraising. After taking a few years away to raise her family, she returned to the American Cancer Society as a Community Development Manager, where she oversaw major events, managed volunteers, and successfully raised funds across multiple counties in Central Texas. In January 2018, she was delighted to officially join Candlelight Ranch as the Development Director, bringing her experience and heart to the role.
Tara is the proud mother of three children and has lived in Texas for nearly her entire life. She currently resides in Cedar Park, where she enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids, giving back to the community, and exploring new places whenever time allows.
When asked about her journey to working full-time with Candlelight Ranch, Tara shares, “I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. I feel like I’ve finally found my dream job, and I truly believe that a little angel planted the seed for this many years ago.”