Tara O’Neill Barreto has always been a nurturer at heart. With compassion as her compass, she has spent 26 years as a registered nurse, beginning her career caring for children in pediatrics and coming full circle as a school nurse. Between those meaningful bookends lies a career filled with experiences, connections, and a deep appreciation for the stories that shape our lives.

Above all, Tara treasures life with her husband and their incredible daughter. Their home is rarely quiet and never short on love, thanks in part to a lively collection of dogs, cats, bearded dragons, and guinea pigs.

Now, as she begins a new chapter as a children's book author, Tara is bringing the stories closest to her heart to the page. Inspired by real experiences, her books explore life's tender moments through the eyes of children, celebrating the comfort, connection, and unconditional love that animals bring to our lives.