Growing up in Mukwonago, Tara Zachgo’s parents were both teachers, and many people thought that Tara would also pursue a teaching career. Although they were right, Tara’s path to becoming the program lead, instructor and practicum coordinator for Blackhawk’s Medical Assistant program, wasn’t quite so linear.

With a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a technical diploma in Medical Assisting, Tara has worked in sports medicine and has been a certified medical assistant in a variety of settings. 

She also oversaw and developed an employee and corporate wellness program for an area healthcare organization and was a contributing author to a book on workplace wellness.

All of these experiences led to Tara’s position at Blackhawk, which she has held for three years.

“This job has allowed me to combine my interests in teaching and health,” she said. “I also enjoy helping others and assisting them on their journey to reaching their goals.”

When it comes to the college, Tara likes the smaller class sizes which she feels lets the instructors really get to know their students as people and not just someone in their classroom.

Tara also thinks the flexible education offered at Blackhawk gives students the choices they need to be successful.

“By providing a supportive environment, which includes access to resources, students can be in a better position to reach their career goals,” she said.

Beyond the flexibility and positive environment, Tara thinks the hands-on opportunities to learn along with the cost and job placement make it a valuable investment for students.

Away from the college, Tara and her husband of 27 years have three sons, two of whom attend UW-Stout, and a dog. She spends most of her time being a sports spectator at football games, cross-country meets, swim meets and track meets.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week runs Oct. 17-21 to those who provide clinical and administrative support for physicians and other medical professionals by running the front office, drawing blood, administering vaccinations, taking patients' vital signs and more.