Communication through collaboration. It is my hope that I provide care that is more than the standard practice. I pride myself in creating meaningful connections and relationships with my patients. I value the opportunity that I have to learn from every patient.

We all have that one person or people who really changed a part of who we are. For me, that was my elementary speech pathologist, Mrs. Blush. To this day, she is still my hero. She taught me how to say my name so others could understand, giving me confidence when speaking. I often did not talk in front of others because I knew there would be chance I would have to repeat my thoughts. I often think of the super power she gave me which is the power to communicate with others. Ever since second grade, I wanted to help people the same way she helped me. That was the spark that started my journey to becoming a speech language pathologist (SLP).

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Master’s of Arts in Communication Arts and Sciences. I have been a SLP for more than 15 years in a variety of medical and school settings in Lansing, Michigan. It was at a local hospital where I learned my area of specialty, diagnosing and treating oral facial myofunctional disorders. Fast forward to a few years later when I was approached by dentists and orthodontists to start my own practice focusing on this area. My private practice has been a successful part of my world for over 10 years. I wouldn’t have been able to build this without the support of my patients, family and community. I am passionate to learn from my patients and excited to show them what I know.

In addition to owning this practice, my husband and I have three children who keep us very busy. We have a son still in diapers and learning how to sit up while another son attends college. My daughter just turned four so there is a lot of craziness between adulthood and toddlerhood that keeps us on our toes.

Tara is licensed in the State of Michigan.