Heather's vision and passion for providing enriching opportunities to her students, particularly within the culinary arts, are truly remarkable. Her decision to integrate the ProStart program into her curriculum (and beyond) exemplifies her innovative approach to education. By leveraging this career and technical education program, Heather has effectively united the foodservice industry with the classroom, thereby equipping her students and Minnesota's future workforce with invaluable culinary skills, restaurant management principles, and essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and time management.

What sets Heather apart is not only her commitment to academic excellence but also her unwavering dedication to the holistic development of her students. She possesses a unique ability to challenge and support her students, fostering an environment where they feel empowered to push beyond their limits and pursue their passions with confidence. Under her guidance, students have flourished, discovering new worlds of possibility and realizing their full potential. Her genuine care and concern for her students are evident in every interaction, and it is this personal touch that sets her apart as an educator.

Heather's exceptional skills, sense of humor, unwavering dedication, and profound impact make her a true asset to Minnesota's ProStart community. Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation is proud and inspired daily to have Heather as one of our ProStart instructors and we are confident that she will continue to inspire and empower students for years to come.