About Heather

Hello!

Some of you may already know me from one of my past lives… if so, I welcome the chance to reconnect, via Facebook, phone, text, or on the beach, in person!

If we haven’t met, I look forward to hearing your heart story.

My journey began in the Fredericton area. One of my earliest memories is kindergarten in a tiny place outside of Fredericton, called Hawkshaw (dare you to Google that!) My family moved to the city when it was time for me to start school. Later, I attended UNB, receiving my Bachelor of Education in Home Economics, with minors in psychology and art education. I also completed my DAUS (Diploma in Advanced Undergraduate Studies) in Guidance Counselling, before moving to the lovely island of Grand Manan. I spent the first ten years in the classroom, and some in Resource with special needs and at risk students. I then took the position of Guidance Counsellor, earning a Certificate in Guidance Counselling, with special interests in community building/networking, wellness and restorative justice. In June 2018, after 30 years in public education, I retired to the beautiful beaches of Grand Manan, along with my husband Philip and kitten Walter. My son Dalton, lives in a neighboring community, also enjoying work with children at our local school as an Educational Assistant. God continues to show me His handiwork with sunrises at Swallowtail, and stretches me to use my own gifts through a rich volunteer network and church family on the island. I welcome my new career as a Professional Beach Bum, soaking up many hours of therapy through beachcombing.

As a strong advocate for lifelong learning, I decided to take my skill set in a new direction, and enrolled in Life Coach and Art Therapy courses with Transformation Academy. My passion is hearing the hearts of other people who have met with “roadbumps” along life’s path. These roadbumps have brought me to a place of immense gratitude, acknowledging the gifts we all have to share with each other, if we give each other time and patience.

My background includes a variety of training; Conflict Resolution, Restorative Justice Facilitating, Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Beyond the Hurt, Solution-Focused Therapy, ASIST & Safe Talk (Suicide awareness), Changing Minds (Mental Illness & Students), Counselling for Crisis Management, It’s not your fault (Child Abuse).

I believe in giving back to the community; I am involved in several volunteer groups. This also gives me an inside glimpse of the needs of our community. I believe gratitude and giving serve a much bigger need than simply serving others. Serving can have a huge impact on one’s mental health, improve anxiety and even depression, and I encourage you to learn more about an activity of interest you. Ask me about GM Food Bank, Thrifty’s, Red Cross, and Charlotte Dial a Ride. We can learn about others, as well.

One of my favorite authors, Ann Voskamp, wrote “while waiting on the Lord, do what waiters do…SERVE”. This has guided and led me in a variety of paths, and has increased my faith throughout my journey.

My desire is to INSPIRE people to lift their eyes and see the beauty around us, especially in the everyday life; to EXPLORE the gifts we have been given, even if we don’t know just what they are yet; to CREATE a vision for ourselves and our families and discover our own inner creativity; and lastly, to EMPOWER people who may never have felt they had a voice, or given themselves permission to discover the best they could be.

I look forward to meeting you, and hearing your story!