Heather has worn many hats, and is excited to share her varied skills and interests with the Insyte family. She began her career as a teacher, and has worked with students ranging from toddlers to adults. With several years’ experience in the youth development field, Heather directed programs for the Child Center of NY and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, providing families with free English lessons and working with adolescents in a variety of capacities. Most recently, she taught eleventh grade English and AP Literature at Freire Charter High School in Rittenhouse Square, and worked as a college essay advisor and English tutor with TEACH.
A creative generalist, Heather is always exploring new outlets of expression. During her time in Binghamton, New York, she served as managing editor of an independent arts and culture paper, Triple Cities Carousel. She loved interviewing musicians, directors, and entrepreneurs, but her favorite role was that of food writer. It was there upstate that she planted the seeds for her small business, Astral Days Vintage, which she continues to operate from her home in Philadelphia.
Heather holds a B.A. in English from SUNY New Paltz and an M.S. in Secondary English Education from St. John’s University. A quick study and true people person, Heather brings attention to detail and sincere enthusiasm to her work, approaching all endeavors with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
How do you re-generate? Bonding with friends over a good cup of coffee, ideally on a sunny day in one of my favorite cafes in Philly. I’m an extrovert, and I love being surrounded by community. I also love taking myself on dates, just meandering through a market or exploring a new place.
What is your superpower? Finding lost things, remembering birthdays, and having grace under fire.
What’s something interesting about you we wouldn’t otherwise know? I really love to sing, especially in front of an audience.
What have you learned about the conditions for success? What promotes failure? Different people and organizations have different definitions of success; however, I believe to be truly successful, everyone involved must be heard and considered. When we don’t listen deeply and support one another, that’s when we fail–when we are overly critical, and when we march blindly toward a goal without understanding the why or being receptive to concerns.
What is the question your life seeks to answer? I have so many questions, and I’m sure they’ll always change. Right now, it’s: How can I best contribute my passions and talents to elevate the collective?
