Heather’s passion for nonprofits and community-building started back in high school, when she spent many afternoons as a volunteer tutor at a homeless shelter. That drive to make a difference led her to her first job out of college working as a counselor in group homes in Seattle.
A few years later, she headed to New York City to attend Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. After graduation, she stayed in New York City and worked as a journalist at magazines that ranged from business-focused magazines like Advertising Age to Scholastic Inc.’s classroom magazines.
After heading back to her hometown of San Diego, Heather became the editor of University of California, San Diego’s staff newspaper and took the reins at two of San Diego Magazine’s publications. She later launched a communications consulting business, focusing on educational organizations and nonprofits.
In 2020, just three weeks before the world shut down, Heather and her family made the move to the Boise area, where she worked as a communications consultant for local nonprofits and started teaching communications at the College of Western Idaho. She joined Camp Rainbow Gold and Hidden Paradise in 2025 and is thrilled to tell the stories of how camp changes lives.
Heather is married and has two teenage daughters. She loves going to the theater, skiing, and volunteering.
Q&A
What was the name of your favorite camp growing up?
Camp Wolahi (pronounced wo-lah-hee) was on Lake Cuyamaca (pronounced Quee-a-maca) and surrounded by a forest of trees. My favorite part was meeting Erin, my “best friend.” I never saw her again, but I still remember her!
What completely random thing makes you happy?
It always makes me happy to listen to the original cast production of “Defying Gravity.”
What TV show do you rewatch too often?
The Office. Is there even another choice?
What’s the most useless fact you know?
Despite my protests, more than one person has suggested that the following information is useless.
The ampersand (&) should not be used in place of the word “and.” It should only be used as part of a company’s name or a composition title. (Think “House & Garden”).
