Heather thought she was prepared for parenting. She had a background in psychology and biology, with an emphasis on child development and mental health. While in university, she did a placement in a children’s hospital and a few years after graduation was the owner of an esteemed learning centre working with children 3- to 18- years of age. However, her real education began when her first born arrived in 2004 with neurological differences. Her child had behaviours and delays that didn't fit into a diagnosis that steered them to effective developmental programming ~ 8 diagnoses were given, but no concrete support nor direction.

 

Heather had to find various therapies and specialists on her own: Some gave modest results; others were dead ends. The pivotal moment was when she discovered HANDLE®, a Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency, in 2014 and witnessing amazing results. She pursued HANDLE certification to share, inspire and offer hope to other families.

 

Throughout the years, Heather received ongoing support from Life Coaches who were instrumental in helping her maintain her forward momentum. Heather was able to focus on not only parenting demands, but her business goals, educational goals, mental and physical health, social network, and ultimate purpose beyond being a single-parent to two amazing children.

 

Heather believes in continuous education and has trained in additional award-winning approaches to offer a range of programs and courses to match her client's needs. Heather is a certified DIRFloortime® Practitioner and life coach and is passionate about empowering parents as they discover the importance and interwoven connection between all areas of their life.

 

Heather's training and experience:

25+ years in educational & clinical settings

Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Biology

Co-owned award winning Oxford Learning, Stoney Creek (2001 - 2021)

Certified in Dynamic Assessment & Programming (OLC Inc. 1999)

Affiliate of The HANDLE Institute (2015)

Founded The Gentle Learning Connection (2016)

Certified HANDLE Screener (2017)

Certified Irlen Screener (2017)

Primitive Reflex Integration (2015)

Certified Coach Practitioner (2019)

Functional Nutrition Counsellor (2020)

Evidence based DIRFloortime® Practitioner (2022)

Guest speaker and presenter at workshops across Canada (2020 - present)