HR Manager & Practice Administrator
As South Valley Equine’s HR Manager and Practice Administrator, Tara Tolman helps keep the practice running smoothly behind the scenes while supporting the people who make exceptional patient care possible. Her responsibilities include managing employee benefits, onboarding and offboarding, payroll, licensing and accreditation, employee lo development, travel coordination, and organizing team events and appreciation celebrations. Whether she’s supporting the staff or coordinating the details that keep the practice moving forward, Tara is committed to creating a positive experience for both the team and South Valley’s clients.
Tara has been part of the South Valley Equine family since 2010. Although she joined the practice as a part-time veterinary technician, her passion for learning and willingness to embrace new opportunities allowed her to grow into an administrative leadership role. Prior to joining South Valley, she spent more than a decade working as a small animal veterinary technician, building a strong foundation in veterinary medicine and client care.
Horses have been part of Tara’s life since childhood. Through her grandparents, she was introduced to 4-H, riding club, and high school rodeo, creating memories that sparked a lifelong love for horses. South Valley Equine has also been part of her family’s story for decades, with Drs. Rees, Heaton, and Sieverts caring for their horses throughout the years. Long before joining the team, Tara admired the level of care South Valley provided and dreamed of one day becoming part of the practice.
What Tara enjoys most about the equine industry is the people and the lifelong relationships it creates. She appreciates seeing generations of families continue their involvement with horses and values the sense of community that comes with the industry. She believes South Valley Equine stands apart because of its collaborative approach, where experienced veterinarians work together to provide clients with the highest level of care and the benefit of multiple perspectives on complex cases. Through her role, Tara strives to ensure clients receive clear communication, feel supported throughout their experience, and leave with a confident understanding of their horse’s care and treatment options.
Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their blended family of four children. Whether camping, hiking, paddleboarding, traveling, or seeking out new adventures, she loves making memories with family. Over the past two years, she’s also developed a passion for Pilates and enjoys staying active through several classes each week.