Well Educated
- Graduate, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery
- Fellowship Forensic Odontology, University of Texas Health Science Center
- University of Texas at Austin (1989-1993)
- Member, 911 World Trade Center Odontology Team with Mass Disaster Training
- Dental Consultant, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Involved With South Texas
- City Council Member, Town of South Padre Island
- Initiated Litter-Free SPI Project & Ecotourism Summit
- Improving indigent care through free indigent dental care mobile unit
- Child Advocacy Center
- Family Crisis Center Against Domestic Violence
Determined To Do What’s Right
Tara will:
- Help create higher paying jobs within our District
- Work to help Texas State Technical College with business development programs
- Work towards a balance between economic development and the environment
- Fight for the protection of personal property rights for all Texans
- Work towards additional funding for expanding a Veterans Health Care Center
- Work towards a Veterans Hospital in this District
- Work for increased diabetic research and care
- Work toward increased children’s healthcare programs
- Establish long term goals for an effective Beach Re-nourishment Plan
- Help protect the natural environment of the Laguna Madre
- Work for accountability in government by establishing a public voting record viewing site
Tara Rios Ybarra
A New Voice … For a Change,
Rings Loud and Clear
“I’m not inspired by our current State Representative’s leadership in this district, and I know I can do a better job. We deserve better.”
Following in the footsteps of a great leader, such as the former District 43 Representative, Irma Rangel, Tara has a vision for this part of South Texas:
“I want to reignite that passion for individual growth within all our citizens and our elected officials.”
Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra is a product of South Texas. Born in Corpus Christi, her father and grandfather were both born in Kingsville.
Education
Tara attended the University of Texas in Austin and graduated from Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Rios Ybarra completed a Forensic Odontology Fellowship at The University of Texas Health Science Center in 2202, has practiced dentistry since 1997 and has owned her own practice for the last eight years. She is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and past member of the 911 World Trade Center Odontology Team which included Mass Disaster training.
Political Experience
Tara is currently serving her second term as City Council Member of the Town of South Padre Island. During her tenure she has become involved with various projects like initiating the Litter-Free South Padre Island Project, the Ecotourism Summit and worked towards the formation of a long term beach re-nourishment plan.
Community Involvement
Dr. Tara Rios Ybarra has worked on improving indigent health care through the free indigent dental care mobile unit, has sat on the board of the Family Crisis Center against Domestic Violence and attended several Cameron/Willacy County Child/ Infant Fatality reviews as well as serving as Dental Consultant for the U.S. Department of Home Land Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Personal
Tara is married to Dr. Richard Joe Ybarra; they have two daughters, Isabella Skye, 5, and Anastacia, 2. Tara and her family reside in the Town of South Padre Island. She is an avid runner having completed 3 marathons; New York City, Alaska, and Austin.