With the arrival of covid in 2020, Root Connection began offering all it's classes and trainings online. In the years that followed, we oscillated our focus to online training programs and weekly classes. Heather and Root Connection relocated from San Jose, CA to Longmont, CO in the Summer of 2024 and she has since began running in-person offerings again as well.

San Jose Unified School District, San Jose, CA

• Created and taught Root Connection’s learning curriculum ‘Seed to Bloom’ to establish and encourage the natural growth process in students and teachers

• Led workshops, groups and one-on-one work to integrate practical ways of weaving wellness into the classroom and community at large

• Fostered healthy community partnerships and developed a caring mentors program

• Focused on self-awareness, inner development and growing relational joy and appreciation with others

Pioneer High, San Jose, CA

• Created and organized wellness content and calendar to bring to staff and students

• Taught yoga, meditation and emotional awareness tools to groups of students

• Held one-on-one counseling sessions for 9-12th grade

• Facilitated 8 week girl’s groups

• Led regular trainings on the power of knowing yourself and how to work wisely within for teaching staff

Specialized Bicycles, Morgan Hill, CA

• Taught weekly classes on subtle energy systems and ways to nourish mental health

• Led yoga class 3x per week for employees

• Weekly guided meditations for staff

• Introduced and facilitated a meditative perspective of health and wellness to the leadership team

Art of Yoga Project, San Jose, CA

Our mission is to bring mindfulness-based practices to system-involved and other marginalized youth for their healing and empowerment.

• Taught yoga classes for teen girls at Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall Facility

• Created and guided symbolic art projects for the girls to engage with play, color, and self-discovery

• Held talking circles on the value of taking care of our bodies and minds

Breathe Together Yoga, Los Gatos, CA

The core of the program featured a curriculum that addressed anatomy, language, meditation, history, Ayurveda, and foundational aspects of instruction. Combined with a deep understanding of self-care in both on-the-mat practice and lifestyle that supports the teacher and the students.

Girls Leadership, Oakland, CA

Girls Leadership’s mission is to equip schools and youth serving organizations with the resources and training to create environments where girls exercise the power of their voice and are inspired to lead.

• Curriculum I taught here was part theater/performing arts and part mindfulness

• Worked with girls in elementary school to express themselves, care for each other and grow their communication/relationship skills

• Sat in on student-parent 4 week workshop series

Root Connection is a grassroots organization that began from my living room, centering vibrant learning in deep community connection. RC offers ongoing classes, workshops, retreats, and trainings for adults and teens to discover who they are and how to work with life wisely. Our curriculum focuses on the uniqueness of each individual and the infinite possibilities that they are afforded to grow and develop.

Dhamma Laṭṭhikā in Battambang, Cambodia

Vipassana meditation, developed by S.N. Goenka, is a technique focused on self-transformation through self-observation. It involves observing bodily sensations to understand the interconnectedness of mind and body, ultimately leading to mental purification and liberation. It's a non-sectarian practice, meaning it doesn't require adherence to any particular religion or belief system.

Downtown Yoga Shala, San Jose, CA

An 8 month in-person comprehensive 200-Hour Intensive Teacher Training program offering a unique opportunity of in-depth study and practice of Holistic Vinyasa Yoga and its ancient roots.

Seneca Family of Agencies, San Jose, CA

• Held and maintained all aligned partnership relations within Santa Clara County

• Led employee appreciation and development program

• Established and faciliated weekly wellness group meetings

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations

• Demonstrated knowledge of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications.

• Demonstrated the ability to think critically, creatively, and independently.

• Wrote correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communication professions, audiences, and purposes they serve.

• Demonstrated the ability to use tools and technologies appropriate for the communications profession in which they work.

• Ran ongoing events for the San Jose Teachers Association employees

• Highlighted and explored the challenges of nourishing teachers in true and lasting ways

• Kept up ongoing media communications

Pioneer High uses the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework for creating a safe, positive, equitable school where every student can feel valued, connected to the school community, and supported by caring adults.