Tara, Community Coordinator

A Knoxville native, Tara grew up immersed in the world of competitive trampoline, a sport similar to gymnastics that she competed in for 13 years. At 18, she began coaching while continuing her career as an elite athlete, all while attending college full-time and traveling across the country for competitions. She retired from competing in 2022 to focus on school.

Tara has always known she wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy. After graduating from UT in 2024 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, she attended South College’s Physical Therapist Assistant program. It was there that she realized she wanted to take her passion even further and pursue her doctorate. She will begin South College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2027!

Tara joined her mom for a class at Blue Ridge Yoga in 2026. Having spent most of her life as a competitive athlete, she had struggled to find a new form of movement that truly felt like her after retiring from trampoline. She knew she loved working out alongside others, and at Blue Ridge, she finally found the sense of community she had been missing.

Three months after becoming a member, Tara joined the Blue Ridge team as a Community Coordinator. Her favorite part of the role is getting to know so many incredible people and being part of a community where the staff and members genuinely care about one another.

A fun fact about Tara is that she was adopted from China and has called Knoxville home all her life! Whether she’s at Blue Ridge, cheering on the Vols, spending time with her boyfriend and their dog Peanut, or working toward her career in physical therapy, Tara is happiest when she’s surrounded by a strong sense of community!