EXCERPTS from https://www.tarapugmire4idaho.com
AN IDAHO NATIVE: Tara Pugmire grew up in Meridian in a family of 5 children. She graduated from Centennial High School & attended college at NNU in Nampa where she played college basketball. She is a strong and energetic mother of 5 children, willing to step up and fight for what she believes. She’s passionate for Idaho youth, and a defender of educational flexibility & parental rights.
Prior to having children, Tara worked for a number of years at detention centers, group homes, and in the psychological unit at Intermountain Hospital working with struggling teens.
Tara has an exceptional resume, but most importantly she has a ginormous heart that changes people and touches the community!
Wife & Mother of Five Children
The five stars in Tara’s campaign logo represent her five children. Each have attended Meridian schools and benefited from West Ada teachers and activities and are at the core of her educational endeavors.
Co-Founded Non-Profit Education Foundation
During the tough times of the COVID-19 out breaks, Tara co-founded a “micro-pod school” for 3rd-5th graders, creating a hands on/project based model. She also organized service projects in the community to serve with the students of the “pod” and participated in weekly hands on field trips.
Certified Equine Therapy Specialist
Tara has a love for horses since child-hood when she performed with a group of bareback riders at rodeos and events around the West with her father Norm.
Later, while attending university in Utah and working at a group home for teens, Tara helped develop a horse therapy program.
Currently, she is a Certified Equine Specialist where she combines her love for horses and her love of youth by offering Healing Trauma With Horses & Other Holistic Methods.
Supports the 2nd Amendment
Nearly 10 years ago, (before the laws removed the necessity) Tara received her concealed carry permit after taking a gun safety course.
Recently, Tara has taken up the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting, a competitive equestrian sport involving the riding of a mounted horse with two single-action revolvers while shooting at targets in a timed pattern.
Small Business Owner
Tara and her husband Brandon have owned and run a small business in Meridian for over 20 years and employ 14 people.
Through the years, Tara supplemented the family particularly during the lean years with her own photography business, shooting weddings, individual and family portraits as well as babies and high school seniors sessions.
Tara often contributes her photography knowledge and talents with others.
Empowering Women
With four daughters, Tara believes in the power women can have and bring to the table. She hopes to inspire her daughters and all women everywhere, that they have value and that their voices need to be heard!
Enrich Idaho 