Tara Maloney, LSW

Tara Maloney, LSW, is a Chicago-area social worker, therapeutic life coach, and neurodiversity-focused professional dedicated to helping individuals turn self-awareness into meaningful, practical change. She combines her background in psychology, theater, social work, and coaching to support clients through life transitions, career development, relationships, social skills, and personal growth. Her work is especially focused on young adults and neurodivergent individuals, with an emphasis on creating affirming, individualized spaces where clients can build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy skills.

Throughout her career, Tara has developed extensive experience in life skills, social, career, and leadership coaching. At JANUS Code, LLC, she provides individualized coaching, facilitates social processing groups, and develops programming designed to help clients navigate change, burnout, career shifts, and personal development. Her previous work with EDGE Learning and Wellness included developing executive functioning and social-skills programming, supporting career readiness, and helping neurodiverse young adults strengthen their independence. She has also gained clinical experience through roles in counseling and recovery settings, facilitating groups focused on LGBTQ+ identity, co-occurring concerns, and pathways to recovery.

Tara's approach is collaborative, direct, strengths-based, and grounded in the belief that people should have the freedom to make meaningful choices about their own lives. She emphasizes “doing with, not for,” providing clients with the tools, perspective, and encouragement needed to make decisions independently rather than prescribing a single path. Her interdisciplinary education—including a bachelor's degree in psychology and theater and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago—supports her creative and human-centered approach. Beyond her professional work, Tara remains passionate about theater, comedy, community building, and creative activities, reflecting her belief that connection, curiosity, and self-expression are important parts of personal growth.