Her Story
About Tara
Tara Fletcher is the Executive Director of Royal Oaks Assisted Living in Texas, where she oversees assisted living operations and healthcare leadership. She began her healthcare career in 1998 and brings 28 years of experience to the field. In her current leadership role, her responsibilities include resident and staff safety, admissions, marketing, budgeting, payroll, and maintaining compliance with Texas state policies and procedures.
Fletcher has built her career through extensive healthcare education and professional development. Her academic background includes an associate’s degree in Applied Science, a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration with an emphasis on Rural Healthcare. She also holds an LVN credential and additional credentials in assisted living administration, dental assisting, pharmacy technology, and medical billing and coding. Her professional development includes a Certified Assisted Living Facility Manager credential through the Texas Assisted Living Association and a Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate from NonprofitReady.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Fletcher is involved with the International Rotary Club, her local Chamber of Commerce, and the Capella University Leadership Success Program alumni network. She attributes much of her adaptability to her experience as a former military spouse, which required her to navigate different cultures, states, and countries. Fletcher emphasizes gratitude, caring, communication, flexibility, and adaptability in her work and personal life, and encourages those entering healthcare to lead with compassion and understanding when supporting residents and families during challenging times.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success in part to the flexibility and adaptability I developed as a former military spouse. Moving between different cultures, states, and countries taught me how to adjust to change, embrace new environments, and approach life with perspective. Those experiences have helped me remain adaptable and resilient throughout my healthcare career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is not to take negative comments personally. Criticism reflects another person's feelings or perspective at a particular moment and does not define everything I have accomplished or what I can achieve in the future. I have learned to recognize feedback without allowing negativity to diminish my confidence or sense of accomplishment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
When entering the healthcare field, it is important to remember that you are working with people who may be sick or supporting family members who are going through an emotional and difficult time. I encourage young women to approach each situation with an open mind, compassion, and patience. Console and comfort people, provide the best care you can, and remember not to take it personally when someone is having a difficult day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field is staffing, particularly recruiting and retaining Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The work can be very demanding, which makes attracting and retaining qualified staff particularly challenging in assisted living.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My three most important values are gratitude, caring, and communication. I believe these values are essential to building meaningful relationships, supporting residents and their families, working effectively with staff, and creating a positive environment in healthcare.
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