Tara: I’m originally from Gladwyne, PA, outside Philadelphia and have lived in town since August 2014. Our best decision upon moving to town was putting our boys in swim lessons at the YMCA. This is where we met some of our best friends – and the boys learned to swim which is important for Summer Friday dinners at Tod’s Point.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Jackson (5)
Vaughn (3)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
If you were meeting me for the first time, you might be surprised to know I was a military wife given my background and that of my husband. Sometimes in our country, there is a feeling that military service is for those without other options. But just the opposite, my husband, James, and I both turned down opportunities for his military service. My husband left his job at the White House to be a Navy SEAL and I turned down two dream jobs following business school to support him as a military wife. Our country needs all types of people from different backgrounds to serve – why not us.
James is in the reserves now but we are both still eager to help shape the country. He and I are founding members of a group called SAM, the Serve America Movement, which includes many Greenwich residents. SAM is a new, broad-based national political party focused on finding pragmatic solutions to the greatest problems we face. Our political parties are not making the progress we need so we might as well start something new to get it done.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My parents for many reasons, here is a big one: It is not uncommon for military wives to give birth without their husband present. It’s more like the norm. When our first son was born, James was on a covert deployment. I will never know where he was during that time, but I do know he was where he was meant to be, working to make the world safer. In James’ absence, my parents flew to Hawaii, where we were stationed, for the delivery. While our son is perfectly healthy today, he was struggling those first 48 hours. I was scared and missing my husband but my parents never left my side that weekend, sleeping in rock hard chairs beside my bed, waking for 2 am doctor consultations, and supporting me without sugar coating the facts. They taught me that no matter how far you must travel, how tired you are or how scared you might be, you show up for your kids. This experience continually reminds me to be there and be present for my boys no matter what else is happening around me.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
Wrestle (I have two big brothers myself); Ride bikes; Having them tell me about their day; Singing them to sleep
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world?
Yes! I work for Americares, a global health and humanitarian disaster relief organization, that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with health programs, medicine, and medical supplies. We operate in 90 countries but are headquartered here in Stamford. I manage the corporate partnerships that fund our emergency response program. Many people around town know Americares because of our Airlift Benefit where we send guests on a whirlwind 24-hour trip to one of our program sites. This year we’re going to Guatemala – come with us!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
After 5 years as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to work full-time 2 months ago. This was not an easy decision because I loved being home with my boys. I cannot express how much support and encouragement I have felt from both my friends here in Greenwich and the teachers at the boys’ schools. They have believed in me, cheered me on and laughed with me when I’ve dropped balls in the juggling act. I’m still figuring out the balance – with their help! – one day at a time.
