Join us at the 2025 Summit of Hope Gala!

Board Vice President

Nature has been a cornerstone of Tara’s life for as long as she can remember. Introduced to hiking and camping at an early age by her father, the outdoors became her sanctuary and source of strength through life’s joys and challenges. Over the years, hiking and trail running have been profound influences, providing clarity, resilience, and healing, especially during one of the most heartbreaking chapters of her life: the loss of her beloved daughter, Reese.

Following Reese’s passing, Tara experienced firsthand the transformative power of nature as a place for solace and restoration. This deep personal connection inspired her passion for sharing the healing effects of the outdoors with others, a mission she has championed for over 18 years through her leadership at Candlelight Ranch. At Candlelight Ranch, Tara has helped thousands of children and families heal through nature, while also raising funds and awareness for its mission.

Tara’s journey with trails and hiking is both personal and purposeful. She believes that the rhythm of the trail and the serenity of the wilderness can provide what words cannot—a space to process grief, find balance, and reconnect with oneself. Hiking continues to be her sanctuary, allowing her to reflect, grow, and honor the memory of her daughter while creating brighter days for others.

As a proud board member of Come and Hike It, Tara is excited to bring her lifelong love of hiking and her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership to this organization. Her passion for encouraging people to explore the outdoors and foster a sense of connection with nature aligns perfectly with the mission of Come and Hike It.

In addition to her work with Candlelight Ranch and Come and Hike It, Tara holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness Promotion with a Secondary Education certificate. Her professional career has been devoted to community outreach, fundraising, and nonprofit development, including impactful roles with the American Cancer Society.

Tara lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with her family, where she continues to explore trails, volunteer, and inspire others to experience the beauty and healing of nature. For Tara, every hike is a reminder of the peace and hope found on the trail and the gift of sharing it with others.

Board Treasurer

Arun, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, has worn multiple hats, from serving in the military and government sectors to excelling in corporate finance. Currently, he is part of the Risk Management Office at Charles Schwab, Inc., and proudly holds the position of National Chairman of the Military Veterans Network at Schwab, an Employee Resource Group. Driven by a deep-rooted passion for helping others and contributing to his community, Arun brings his expertise in financial risk management, real estate, and fundraising to the mission of Come and Hike It.

He has been happily married to his wife, Bessie, for 18 years, and together they raise four energetic children. The family is also joined by their beloved Bluetick Hound, Blue. Arun's commitment to service is further exemplified by his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 2003 to 2011. Following his military career, Arun pursued higher education, graduating from Southwestern University, the first and oldest university in Texas, and later completing his MBA at Southern Methodist University.

When he's not working or spending time with his family, Arun enjoys a variety of hobbies. He is an avid golfer, traveler, and fisherman. Additionally, he loves the thrill of riding motorcycles and cheering for the Stars (NHL).

Fun Fact: Arun has camped out in the Sahara Desert 

Board President & Founder

Roland Jimenez is a highly experienced marketing and business professional, outdoor photographer, and brand storyteller with a deep passion for inspiring others to embrace the great outdoors. As an avid outdoorsman, Roland has spent years immersing himself in nature, finding solace and healing through his personal experiences. His journey, shaped by multiple tragedies, led him to create Come and Hike It, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals navigate grief through meaningful connections with nature.

Roland's unwavering belief in nature’s restorative power has driven him to design impactful programs that provide comfort and community for those facing loss. He is leveraging his professional expertise, passion for outdoor adventure and philanthropic collaborations with various nonprofits — both through his career and personal volunteer efforts — to drive the continued success of Come and Hike It.

When he's not on the trail, Roland enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, watching his daughter play softball, cooking BBQ, banging his drums, fishing, hunting and longboarding — pursuits that reflect his love for connection, relaxation, and the outdoors.

Fun Fact: Despite Roland’s latin roots, love for music and decades of playing drums, he just can’t dance.

Board Secretary

Heather’s connection to nature began as a young aspiring artist, inspired by the delicate florals and desert landscapes created by her favorite painters and photographers. She later enjoyed a passion for incorporating organic materials and textures of the natural world into the spaces she created as a young Interior Designer. She then discovered her love of hiking and camping alongside her husband, Roland, during their first Big Bend adventure nearly 30 years ago. Captivated by the deep contentment and restorative powers felt through the experience, together they began sharing their passion with friends, and later with their two daughters. More recently, Heather’s work in support of Come and Hike It’s mission has also provided an opportunity to share these passions in a deeper, purposeful & healing capacity. 

Heather holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. Through her 25 years of work experience in the commercial interiors industry, Heather discovered she thrives on supporting businesses by improving their operational efficiencies and performance strategies. Heather applies these expertise to the organizational functionality of Come and Hike It.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with family and close friends, watercolor painting, road trips, camping, relaxing at the beach, and staying active at the gym.

Fun Fact: Heather loves hiking but is terrified of heights

Gala Director

With 25 years of sales experience in commercial interiors, Shanna brings a wealth of expertise in building meaningful connections and understanding clients’ needs. Now a board member of Come and Hike It, she is dedicated to helping others find peace and healing in nature. 

A family person at heart, Shanna enjoys spending time outdoors with her spouse Matt and two daughters, Ella (19) and Olivia (17). Known for her love of hosting gatherings and bringing people together, Shanna fosters a warm, supportive atmosphere in all that she does—both professionally and in service to those journeying through grief. After the loss of both her parents, Shanna discovered hiking as a personal form of therapy, using it to navigate her own grief and find renewal in nature.

When not working, Shanna loves to travel, spend time at the beach or in the mountains, cooking, watching football, and enjoying quality time with family.

Wellness Director

Liz Yeoman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Houston and is a Registered Massage Therapist and Reiki Master with over 25 years of experience. Passionate about helping people live their best lives, Liz specializes in holistic practices that connect body, mind, and spirit.

Her extensive training includes meditation, grief and trauma understanding, breathwork and yoga. Certified in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), the biology of trauma, and the process of grief and loss, Liz believes in the power of group healing and nature's calming effects to bring peace within.

When she's not practicing, Liz enjoys hiking, reading, making jewelry, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband, three children and friends. Her daily intention is wholehearted living.