Whether she's leading a warm-up exercise on stage or providing feedback to a student, Tara Taylor always brings her best.
"I got to work with her and it was one of the best experiences of my life," said 16-year old Mincy Barbosa.
"Tara is this endless force of energy," said Molly Rumberger, a teacher and theater arts director.
The former actress with Broadway dreams, traded life in the Big Apple for a chance to support the next generation of performers.
"I love theater because it allows a platform for you to watch a story about a different perspective and a different context, [and] understand it without being told about how to feel about it," she said.
As a theater and dance educational specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools, Taylor serves as an advocate for teachers and students and helps shape curriculum.
Kevon Thompson is a senior at South County High School who appreciates Taylor's contributions.
"Having someone to really advocate for us is a blessing," said Thompson.
Thompson isn't the only one expressing that. Virginia Thespians, an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association, has named Taylor Administrator of the Year for 2020. She calls it an honor and hopes to continue improving and expanding arts education.
"That's really important right now and I'd like to be a part of making that happen here and beyond," she said.
Taylor joined FCPS in 2008 as a theater arts teacher and program director at Kilmer Middle School.
She hasn't given up her love for performing and will soon appear in "Mamma Mia!" with the Reston Community Players.