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. She works primarily with children and adolescents as a mental health counselor and equine-assisted therapist, combining her love for horses with her deep understanding of the brain, and both human and equine behavior.

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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 4H. 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 thoroughbreds in picturesque hunt country, while learning many aspects of horse behavior, care, and management. 

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In addition to her extensive 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. She trained in equine-assisted therapy with the Natural Lifesmanship Institute, combining her expertise in mental health counseling with her love for horses to help others heal and grow. Heather also serves as the weekend farm manager at a nearby rehabilitation facility, where she has learned all aspects of whole horse wellness. 

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At Concordia, you can usually find Heather behind her camera, capturing the unique bond between horse and human, and asking everyone to pose for a photo to post on social media! Her passion for thoroughbreds continues to this day, and she is proud to have two of her own, Morrison and Dante. It was at Honey Brook Stables, now Concordia Stables, where Heather found a community that shared her deep respect for horses as sentient beings, and she remains grateful to be part of such a supportive and forward-thinking team. When not at the barn, you can find Heather out hiking with her husband and Australian Shepherd, Macy.