Mighty Member since July 2019
Originally from Kentucky, Heather visited family in Colorado and Wyoming and knew that was where she wanted to be. She moved to Laramie, WY in 1995 and has never looked back. She studied Dance and Theatre at the University of Wyoming. After relocating to Fort Collins in 2002 Heather taught dance in dance studios and brain compatible dance education in public schools. Heather founded The Arch Foundation (TAF) in 2017, after becoming a caregiver to her eldest son, Connor. Connor was injured in a vehicle-pedestrian accident while walking to school on March 10th, 2015, resulting in a catastrophic spinal cord injury. Heather quickly recognized the gap that exists for caregivers from this personal experience, experiencing extreme mental and physical exhaustion and a loss of self. After much research and conversation with other caregivers, Heather found a common theme: Caregivers are an often forgotten part of the rehabilitation and recovery process and there was a need to provide opportunities for caregivers to learn to practice self-care. Heather has built strategic partnerships, engaged volunteers, and community outreach efforts within the caregiver community. Heather took her firsthand, human experience with caregiving, and translated a background in brain-compatible dance education, her high emotional intelligence, and strong community partnerships to begin building a network of support for family caregivers and become an agent of change. You can also find Heather in her role as Disability Integration Lead for the American Red Cross as well on deployment when disaster strikes. Heather is married to Matt and mom to Connor and Max. Heather loves being outside in the Colorado hills, reading and writing, cooking, dancing, and a good lemon drop.