With more than a decade of experience in the fields of outdoor and environmental education, Tara Chapmon has had the opportunity to serve as an educator for nonprofits, government agencies and schools around the country.

Tara graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Oceanography, after which she served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for five years. Following her time in the service, she completed her master’s degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management with a Conservation Concentration from Clemson University and began her career as an outdoor educator.

In her time working in the outdoors, she worked as a lead instructor and staff trainer at Outward Bound. She has directed outdoor programs for several organizations including the Chadwick School. She has expertise in teaching rock climbing and backpacking and has certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association and NOLS Wilderness Medicine.

She loves teaching students new skills and focuses her instruction on creating safe learning environments where all students can foster their sense of belonging in the outdoors. In her personal outdoor adventures, she loves exploring in the backcountry and long days in the mountains with her friends, whether it's snowboarding, hiking or climbing.