Please visit my complete District profile at: https://profiles.santarosa.edu/tara-jacobson

I have been teaching at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) for over 16 years. Prior to joining SRJC, I taught Health Education and Exercise Science at a community college in San Diego. I hold a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness, Nutrition, and Health, and an M.S. in Exercise Physiology—both from San Diego State University. I earned my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Social Justice and Equity from San Francisco State University.

I am certified as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a Comprehensive Pilates Instructor through Balanced Body, and a Certified Health Coach through the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC). In addition, I am an E-RYT 500 Registered Yoga Teacher. I completed my initial 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Integrative Yoga Therapy in 2010 and my advanced 300-hour training (Shamanic Awakening) with the Kula Collective in Peru in 2018. My teaching journey began in high school as a dance instructor, evolving into a lifelong passion that has included group fitness instruction and personal training.

Each term, I teach a combination of fitness-based activity courses—such as Mat Pilates, Yoga, Body Conditioning, Weight Training, and Cardio Kickboxing—as well as lecture courses including Principles of Health and Wellness, Introduction to Kinesiology, Pilates Instructor Training, and Techniques of Fitness Instruction. I co-founded three career education programs at SRJC: the Fitness and Health Coach Certificate, the Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certificate, and the Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. I currently serve as Program Coordinator for the new Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certificate, which launched in Fall 2023.

Beyond the classroom, I serve as Department Chair for Kinesiology, Athletics, and Dance, represent faculty on the Academic Senate Executive Committee, and co-chair the District Online Education Committee. I also serve on the Executive Board of the Statewide Community College PE, Kinesiology, and Dance Association, where I advocate for the advancement of Kinesiology education and workforce preparation across California. I remain connected to the fitness industry by teaching at Active Wellness Club in Petaluma, which helps me bring current industry experience into my teaching and program development.

I’m committed to lifelong learning and regularly pursue professional development in Yoga, Pilates, Kinesiology, and Health. I love teaching, and I’m passionate about creating inclusive, accessible movement experiences for all bodies and ability levels—focusing on proper body mechanics, injury modifications, and most importantly, helping students feel empowered and have fun while moving.

Instructor YouTube Channel: Fitness and Yoga Videos

Work and Consulting Experience

Active Wellness, Petaluma, CA  (current)

Sonoma Fit, Petaluma, CA(past)

Lifestyle Pilates, Petaluma, CA  (past)

Club Pilates, Petaluma, CA  (past)

Professional Areas of Interest

HyFlex and Multi-modality Teaching and Learning

Online Education in Kinesiology and Career Education

Multi-level Approach to Physical Activity Instruction for Accessibility and Inclusivity 

Professional Involvement and Community Service

CCCPEKD (California Community College Physical Education, Kinesiology, and Dance) Association Treasurer

SRJC:

• Pilates Comprehensive Instructor Certificate, Co-founder and Coordinator, 2023 - present
• Fitness, Nutrition, and Health Certificate, Founder and Coordinator, 2011-present
• 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate, Co-founder and Coordinator, 2017-2023
• Academic Senate Representative and Executive Board Member
• Co-chair District Online Committee

Professional Memberships:

• ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
• NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association
• IDEA - Health and Fitness Association
• Yoga Alliance
• Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)