Tara Paiano is a native of St. Joseph County and graduated from Mishawaka High School. She went to Ball State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and majored in criminal justice and criminology. Tara has spent years in the field of substance abuse, working as a case manager for those with substance use disorder and in mental health treatment. She was a case manager in the Drug Court and Veterans Court Coordinator in St. Joseph County from 2011 until 2018, then assisted as Coordinator in implementing the Elkhart County Drug Court Program in 2018 and continued as the Director of Pretrial Services until 2021.
Tara has been an Upper Room Recovery Community Board member since 2014 and was elected as Vice Chair in 2021. She was selected as the newly appointed Executive Director in 2021.
Tara states, “I am excited to be the leader amongst highly educated and experienced staff of the Upper Room. The work at the Upper Room is important and supportive for community members, for both men and women, and encourages spirituality and abstinence for those with substance use disorders. I plan to continue the great leadership of the Upper Room Recovery Community and work done for St. Joseph County, surrounding counties, local agencies and for those in the community seeking hope and striving for success.”
Tara lives in Granger, Indiana and is married to her husband who is a valued community business member and has two wonderful children.