About the Founder
Tara Ruby
Disabled veteran. Military spouse. Nutrition professional. Public health graduate student. Nationally recognized photographer. Homesteader. Founder of Nourish & Restore.
Tara Ruby is a disabled veteran, military spouse, nutrition professional, public health graduate student, nationally recognized photographer, and homesteader who founded Nourish and Restore, a trauma-informed nonprofit focused on healing through holistic nutrition, self-sufficiency education, and restorative wellness practices.
After serving in the United States Air Force as a Space Systems Operator from 1997 to 2001, Tara spent nearly three decades immersed in military life and advocacy, developing a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans, military families, and individuals navigating trauma and chronic stress.
Tara is the founder of Tara Ruby Photography, a nationally recognized photography studio known for documenting military families and service members across the United States. Her work has been featured in publications including Time, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Parents. She has also worked alongside organizations such as TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), the USO (United Service Organizations), and Hiring Our Heroes in support of military-connected communities.
In addition to her advocacy and creative work, Tara operates Pi Farms, a veteran-owned homestead focused on sustainable food systems, animal care, gardening, and whole-food living. Her experiences raising food, caring for livestock, and building restorative daily routines through homesteading became a foundational part of her approach to trauma-informed wellness.
Tara earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a holistic concentration from Purdue Global with a 4.0 GPA and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion. Her academic work focuses on trauma-informed nutrition support, food insecurity, public health education, nervous system regulation, and community-based wellness interventions for veterans, military families, and survivors of trauma.
Through Nourish and Restore, Tara hopes to create accessible, compassionate programs that help individuals reconnect with purpose, routine, nourishment, and healing through practical life skills, community support, and restorative wellness education.
As part of her long-term vision for Nourish and Restore, Tara plans to pursue doctoral-level education focused on integrative and trauma-informed approaches to community wellness.