With a Ph.D. in psychology and over 15 years of experience as a researcher, psychology professor, and learning designer, I’ve spent my career studying how people learn and thrive.

But becoming a parent changed everything.

It invited me to live what I had studied—to slow down, tune in, and rediscover the quiet power of human connection.

It also awakened something I hadn’t fully made space for before: my creative voice. Parenthood reminded me that I’m not just a scientist—I’m a singer, a storyteller, and a performer. I wanted to model authenticity for my child by living it myself. And in doing so, I reconnected with the creativity and joy I now share through Dr. Heather.

Today, I create story-rich, song-filled, developmentally grounded experiences that help families and educators grow with intention.

I draw on early childhood education, cognitive and social psychology, and the learning sciences to design meaningful, research-informed experiences—for both children and the grownups who love and guide them.

At the heart of it all is a belief that learning is relational and multimodal—and that the space where research meets real life is where true growth begins.

Whether I’m teaching a Wonder Hour class, consulting on curriculum, or writing a book about big toddler feelings, my goal is always the same:

To nurture connection, creativity, and compassion—for the humans raising humans in a changing world.