Tara M. Hurdle is the Past-President of the Nashville Area AEYC and serves as the current Chair of NAEYC’s Affiliate Advisory Council. Tara has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and is employed by Tennessee State University as the Education Coach/Mentor Teacher with the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grant. 

Tara became involved with her local Affiliate through contacts she made while pursuing her education. She soon joined their governing board and began her advocacy journey through local and national avenues. As an advocate for children and early educators, Tara serves on numerous boards and feels this council is yet another step towards greater opportunities for advocacy. 

Since joining the council, Tara has focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She appreciates the intentional and transparent conversations this council allows and encourages. Tara believes that serving on this council has raised her advocacy voice, strengthened her skills and thoughts as a leader, and inflamed her passion for DEI and high quality for all children. 

Tara works to empower the passions within others and encourage their truth. Additionally, she values the perspective and necessary voice of others.