One of six kids, Chara grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Upon graduating Grand Blanc High School, she chose to play volleyball at Grand Valley State University on a volleyball scholarship while pursuing a degree in Biology, French, and secondary education. During that time, she helped lead the volleyball team to its first three Elite Eight appearances, three Conference Championships, and three Regional Championships, ultimately earning All-Conference and All-Region honors for two consecutive years, and Academic All-American honors for three consecutive years. Soon after graduating from Grand Valley, Chara moved to Florida where she began teaching and started pursuing professional beach volleyball. She has been ranked as high as 13th in the nation and is sponsored by Kilo Kai Spiced Rum and Vitamin A swimwear.