— Welcome, I'm Heather
About me
Merging technical expertise with personal insight, I guide professionals to their peak.
Navigating technical challenges and advocating for mental well-being has crafted my unique journey.
Navigating through the multifaceted domains of technical challenges and mental well-being advocacy, my journey paints a broad spectrum of leadership. Each experience has layered depth and richness, teaching me to transform life’s intricacies into unparalleled opportunities for success.
Work Related
Associate Director and technical QA/IT professional with 28 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, clinical research, and IT industries. Skilled public speaker, presenter, and workshop facilitator. Experienced validation strategist and software quality engineer. Certified Facilitator of Fierce Conversations through Fierce, Inc. Published in Quality Magazine, March 2022 “Quality Approaches to Software Management.” Adjunct Instructor through California State University – Long Beach and CalState – LA.
Mental Health Related
I have been a mental health patient for nearly 30 years through medication, CBT and DBT therapy, inpatient and outpatient hospitalization programs, ECT, postpartum depression and psychosis, suicidal ideation, self-harm, parenting a child with mental health and gender issues, working a full-time job while in treatment, arranging for medical leaves of absence from work and returning to work after a medical leave for mental health reasons. I am still an active patient and likely will be for life.
Personal Background
I am a child of the 70s and have always associated with the punk rock movement of 70s London. My favorite bands growing up were Violent Femmes, Dead Milkmen, The Cure and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a major in English and minors in technical writing and chemistry. I have always been a writer. Writing and speaking about mental health is one of my passions in life. I hope to contribute to a mindset that normalizes mental health treatment as just health treatment and reduce feelings of self-stigma.
Family and Art
I am also an artist and love creating punk-inspired jacket designs. Once I’d created eight jacket designs I worked with a fashion photographer for my own fashion shoot. It was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! My son was born in 2005 and was one of my models in the fashion shoot. One of our best times together was going to see Green Day in concert. We love watching Scott Pilgrim vs. The World; anime series Fruits Basket, Tokyo Revengers, Demon Slayer, and Nana; and cooking together. I’ve been married to my husband since 1998 whom I met while living in Milwaukee, WI. We love watching movies and being needlessly sarcastic with each other. He has had a lot to deal with me being in mental health treatment our entire marriage, but he has never given up on me. He’s my hero.
Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
I am proud to have achieved the status of a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist. Drawing from my personal experience in recovering from mental illness, substance use disorder, and significant traumas, I am dedicated to promoting mind-body recovery and resiliency. The launch of the Medi-Cal Peer Support Services benefit, in compliance with SB 803, has allowed me to provide crucial support in 50 counties. It is an honor to serve as a beacon of hope and understanding for others on their recovery journey.
Fierce Facilitator Certification
In addition to my accomplishments as a Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, I am also certified in Fierce Facilitator Certification. This prestigious certification recognizes my expertise in facilitating transformative and engaging conversations. With my Fierce Facilitator Certification, I bring a unique and powerful approach to my work, leveraging effective communication strategies to create meaningful connections and drive positive change. Through my facilitation skills, I help individuals and groups navigate difficult conversations, fostering growth, understanding, and collaboration.
Art, Podcasting, and Speaking Engagements
From now until December 2023, my mission is to raise $10k for mental health charities, with a particular focus on supporting Project Semicolon. To raise awareness for mental health in both personal and professional spheres, I am launching a blog called #mentalhealthy. Through this platform, I aim to ignite conversations and promote understanding around mental health. Additionally, I plan to leverage my artistic talents, using art as a medium to facilitate discussions and advocate for mental well-being. Furthermore, I am excited to begin speaking engagements on topics such as professional development, mental health awareness, and opportunities for women in the workforce. Together, let’s create a world where mental health is prioritized and supported.
Biography and Random Facts
insights and guide professionals through the multifaceted maze of career progression. Leveraging personal experiences to offer a well-rounded perspective, I’m here to help you soar.
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Mentorship Sessions
Sharing insights from a rich tapestry of professional experiences, I offer guidance tailored to your unique journey. Let’s uncover your potential and set you on a path to success.
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Guided Workshops
Harnessing technical know-how with personal stories, my workshops are designed to inspire and challenge. They are more than just lessons; they are experiences awaiting discovery.
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Keynote Addresses
With a blend of motivational rhetoric and genuine personal tales, my talks resonate with audiences, invoking introspection and urging action in their professional lives.