Tara Maier developed a passion for being an instrument of change in early adulthood. She grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and witnessed the impact of inadequate mental health resources firsthand. Her tribe, the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, was one of many devastated by addiction and undiagnosed/untreated mental health concerns. Tara discovered purpose and meaning in the pursuit of filling these gaps in mental health treatment for all populations and communities.

Tara obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology in 2008. Post graduation, her focus shifted to raising her four children and pursuing a career in hypnotherapy. She returned to MSU to complete her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and addictions counseling in 2023. After receiving her neurodivergent diagnosis well into adulthood, she began exploring topics such as late diagnosis, symptoms in women, addiction in neurodivergent populations, neurodivergent-related trauma, and strength-based treatment modalities.

By providing an authentic, non-judgmental space, Tara strives to help her patients identify their values and enhance self-esteem. Her lifetime goal is to restructure systemic expectations of conformity by highlighting the gifts and talents of neurologically diverse individuals.

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” - Brené Brown.