Lara trained as a physical educator at the University of Malta and taught Physical Education for over 15 years at St. Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda, where she also formed part of the Senior Management Team.
A lifelong volunteer, Lara joined the Malta Girl Guides (MGG) at age six and later became its youngest-ever Chief Commissioner, leading the organization for a decade (2001–2011). She also served internationally as Chairperson of the European Committee of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (2010–2013) and sat on the WAGGGS World Board. She remains active as a member of MGG’s National Council.
Her leadership extends to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, where she has been involved since 1996 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Malta Foundation. She is also engaged with BPW Valletta Malta and alp (activating leadership potential), reflecting her passion for evolving concepts of leadership.
Since 2011, Lara has been a resident academic at the University of Malta’s Institute for Physical Education and Sport. She holds a B.Ed. (1995), an MA in Youth and Community Studies (2012), and a PhD in Physical Education from Loughborough University (2022) specialising on PE-for-health pedagogy and professional development.
Lara is married and enjoys reading and traveling with her husband.