Heidi was nominated because she is an “incredibly talented, kind-hearted and generous individual.” The person who nominated Heidi recalls the first time they met and why. Heidi reached out to her to offer advice and guidance as they own and operate the same type of small business. Over the years Heidi has been a solid supporter of her business and others.”  

Heidi grew up in Weston, Wisconsin and moved to Stevens Point in 2003 to pursue her undergraduate degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. 

Heidi is very involved with Trout Unlimited, which is a nonprofit organization that is focused on creating clean water. She explains that trout are like the “canary in the coal mine” of the water. They are an incredibly sensitive species to pollution and temperature changes. When the trout species show changes in the population, we know there are problems with the water sources. Not only is Trout Unlimited about fishing, but water conservation as well. Heidi advocates both locally and at the state level.  

Not only is Heidi a fantastic mom to Teddy, her 13-month-old son, but she owns and operates a photography business with her husband. She earned her Master's Degree in Communication and does communication consulting work in the community. Recently she was asked to teach public speaking at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and decided to take on that challenge as well.  

Heidi has overcome a few things to get to where she is today. When she was 4 months pregnant with Teddy, her mom died very suddenly. She and her mom were very close. She was the personal representative for her mom's estate, so she had to take care of all the necessary things that must be done in such a situation. It was during this time that she was finishing her Master’s Degree and remodeling their home. Heidi is proud that she graduated with honors in spite of everything she was going through.  

Heidi’s Favorites: 

Song: “I want to dance with somebody”- Whitney Houston  

Food: Fresh sea food 

Quote:"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson

What makes you happy? 

Spending time with family and friends, Teddy for sure, being outside and running. 

Who’s your hero? 

Her mom because she was a single mom and she was an advocate for fair working conditions for women. She was very selfless, she tried to give back in any way she could. Heidi tries to carry those lessons into her life. 

What can people from the community learn form you? 

You must try to see the best in all the situations you are in. It’s not that difficult to be kind and joyous around people than it is to be angry or crabby.  

Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need? Why? 

Both, they are both needed. Time- because she has skills that are valuable. Money- because she can’t do everything.