Since 1985, Tara's time in the classroom was geared toward at-risk, high poverty youth in urban, rural and multiethnic settings. As a teacher and basketball coach of both boys and girls, Tara has demonstrated her ability to connect with, reach and teach kids from poverty. She was hired to start a drop out prevention program on the campus of Lindburgh Middle School in Long Beach CA, in the heart of blood/crip gang territory. Tara also piloted a successful Non-traditional leadership program geared to foster leadership qualities with at-risk youth at Antioch High School in Nashville TN. That program's success led to a district wide expansion into all high schools. Since leaving the classroom 7 years ago, Tara has been a sought after speaker and trainer with a focus on understanding poverty and its impact, applying the latest Brain and SEL research to better connect with at-risk youth and increasing intrinsic motivation, engagement and effort through the power of positive connections. She has delivered dozens of district and conference keynotes and trainings for an array of organizations. Tara also trained administrators for the state of Tennessee as well as teachers, social workers, counselors and support staff across the nation and internationally. The foundation of her message is the need to take a holistic approach to working with at-risk youth by addressing their emotional/social needs as well as academic. To get into their head, we must first get into their heart and the 18" from the heart to the head of an at-risk child is a rite of passage adults must earn...not a right.