Heather joined Helping Education in January 2024, taking on the role of Project Manager and Implementation Coach. Her dedication to education has been driven by an unwavering commitment to fostering student growth and a love for learning.

Heather‘s educational roots lie in Art Education, having earned a BFA in Fine Arts and Art Education from the University of Cincinnati in 2012. Eager to expand her impact, she pursued an MFA in Community Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2015. During this time, Heather served as an AmeriCorps member and long-term art substitute, assuming a supportive role in the establishment of a new school during its inaugural year.

After completing her graduate studies, Heather moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she devoted herself to teaching visual arts to students ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Her tenure as a classroom teacher was marked by various leadership roles, including team lead, instructional coach, and facilitator of small groups during the school’s summer reading camp. Heather also took on the responsibility of leading the beginning teacher’s program for a year and achieved her Arts Integration Certification. Her overarching goals revolve around ensuring students have access to quality and equitable education.

Heather finds joy in her family life. She lives in Cary with her husband, Aaron, and their three daughters, Mila, Ivy, and Leora. A familiar face in local coffee shops, bookstores, museums, and any place with ice cream, Heather is committed to fostering a love for learning both in and out of the educational setting.