At Resuscitation Australia, we pride ourselves on developing industry-leading training that is evidence-based, engaging, and accessible. Behind this work are dedicated professionals who bring deep expertise and passion to every learning experience we create. One of those individuals is Tara Randles, a key member of our Instructional Design team, whose diverse academic background and global EdTech experience shape the high-quality educational offerings Resuscitation Australia is known for.
In this Q&A, Tara shares her unconventional journey into Learning Design, the international projects that have influenced her approach, and what inspires her work in the healthcare education space. Her story reflects RA’s commitment to excellence—and the people who make it possible.
Q: Tara, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and where you’re based?
A: Hi, I’m Tara. I live in lush Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal, with my family, our free-roaming house rabbits, and two affectionate cats.
Q: Your career path into Learning Design is unique. How did it begin?
A: My journey was anything but linear. As a child and teenager, my interests were all over the map—Fine Art, Astrophysics, Chemical Engineering, and Architecture were all contenders when it came time to choose a university degree. My mom, a single mother and an exceptional South African educator, always told me, “Whatever you do, don’t go into education…” But while completing my Honours in Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT), two of my four part-time jobs changed everything: tutoring Psychology and Statistics for the university, and writing higher-education textbooks for local colleges. I absolutely loved running tutorials and crafting relevant, outcome-driven learning materials. By the end of my first semester, I’d been approached to tutor for UCT’s Educational Development Unit, and after graduating, I accepted a full-time role with an educational publishing house.
Q: Where did your career take you after those early experiences?
A: I’ve been fortunate to work with remarkable institutions and global organisations. I led a team responsible for maintaining the academic portfolio of South Africa’s leading EdTech firm, collaborating with institutions such as MIT, Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics on their short courses. I’ve developed courses for Médecins Sans Frontières, the United Nations, various corporate partners, and universities around the world.
Q: What have been some recent standout projects in your career?
A: In my most recent full-time role at a major global EdTech company, I managed a learning design team. During that time, I contributed to piloting the first hybrid PhD in Optometry, strategised a Master’s in Public Health, and led the development of a Master’s in Mental Health for the Yale School of Nursing. Learning Design lets me feed my curiosity, blend creativity with analytical thinking, and work in strategic, process-driven, tech-forward environments—everything I love.
Q: Healthcare content seems to be a recurring theme in your work. What drew you to Resuscitation Australia?
A: My passion for healthcare and medical content has woven itself throughout much of my career. So joining Resuscitation Australia felt like a natural and fulfilling next step. It’s a privilege to contribute to the industry-leading work RA does.
Q: What principles guide your approach to learning design?
A: I believe in data-driven, strategically sound solutions that balance stakeholder expectations with meaningful participant experiences. I’m committed to crafting accessible, relevant, high-impact training grounded in andragogical best practices.
Q: Finally, what excites you most about being part of Resuscitation Australia?
A: I’m grateful to work within an organisation that shares my vision for excellence. RA continually champions high-quality, evidence-based resuscitation education in Australia, and I’m honoured to play a part in that mission.
Tara’s expertise strengthens Resuscitation Australia’s mission to deliver high-quality mixed-mode Advanced Life Support training to clinicians across Australia and abroad. We’re proud to have her on our team, and we look forward to the continued innovation and excellence she brings to the future of resuscitation education.
