Growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, Heather has always been surrounded by horses, and her connection to them has shaped both her personal and professional life. Heather spent much of her youth competing up and down the East Coast in the hunter and equitation arenas, as well as being heavily involved in her local 4-H. During college, she was a working student at several equine facilities. Most notably, she assisted with the care and management of a large thoroughbred breeding and raising operation near Middleburg, Virginia. These formative years gave Heather the opportunity to ride and connect with exceptional horsewomen and thoroughbreds in picturesque hunt country, while learning many aspects of horse behavior, care, and management. 

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Heather also served as the weekend barn manager at a horse rehabilitation facility, where she learned all aspects of whole horse wellness, including the management of equines with PPID (Cushings), EMS, laminitis, and those recovering from surgical procedures. 

 

In addition to her equine background, Heather holds bachelor's degrees in both Psychology and Education from Shenandoah University and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from West Chester University. While at her day job, she works primarily with children and adolescents as a mental health counselor and equine-assisted therapist.

 

At Concordia, when Heather isn't asking you to pose for social media or running around with her camera to capture the perfect website photo, you’ll probably find her with a full wheelbarrow and pitchfork in hand. But don't worry-she's got it all under control, one shovel at a time. After all, in her world, a clean stall is just as satisfying as a well-composed photograph! Heather’s passion for thoroughbreds continues, and she is proud to have two of her own, Morrison and Dante, who also call Concordia Stables their home. When not at the barn, you can find Heather out hiking with her husband, James, and Australian Shepherd, Macy.