**NEW OPENINGS** In Person Focused (Yorktown location) or Online: Mon. – Fri. (afternoon, after-school & evening!); contact Heather direct (below) to schedule!
Heather is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia. She is passionate about creating a safe space for people to grow and become the best versions of themselves.
Clinical Focus Areas and Counseling Approach
Heather provides in-person focused and online counseling for individuals aged 15 and up. She helps clients seeking support for life transitions, career and life path exploration, healthy relationship building, self-confidence, military life, stress, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, grief/loss, and depression, and more. She customizes her trauma-informed approach to each unique client, using a foundation of Person Centered Therapy combined with elements of Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Professional Philosophy
According to Heather: “Creating a safe space for people to share their personal stories is very important to me. I believe counseling is much like going on a walk where you lead, and I will help support and empower you along the way. I am passionate about helping you to work through hard times and to discover and embrace the best version of yourself throughout the process.”
Educational Background
She received her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Military and Veterans from William and Mary. She earned a B.S. in Psychological Science from Gardner-Webb University and an A.A. in Fine Arts from the College of the Albemarle. She continues her professional development in ongoing supervision with Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin, LPC.
Professional Experience
Heather served as a volunteer with the Crisis Text Line, providing support to those in need or in crisis. Additionally, she worked in administration, data analysis, and public relations in the manufacturing industry in a cross-cultural setting. She brings a keen ability to work with diverse people, creative analytic skills, and a focus on attention to detail from these experiences into her work with clients today.
Fun Facts About Heather
- Heather really enjoys spending quality time with her large, blended family.
- She loves crocheting/knitting, coloring, reading, dancing, baking, roller skating, and bike riding.
- Her favorite colors are red and dark greens.
- Her current favorite music performers include: Stephen Sanchez, Chris Isaak, David Kushner, Ella Langley, Cody Johnson, ACDC, and Metallica.
- The background you see in Heather’s photo is from our office “The Shore” here at Free Spirit.
Schedule an appointment directly with Heather at: heather@freespiritonline.org or 757-656-2811.
**SPECIAL NOTE Resident Sessions: As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, Heather is in-network with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and Sentara Health Plans commercial insurance, Sentara Medicare, and the following Medicaid Plans: Aetna Better Health, Anthem Healthkeepers+, Humana Healthy Horizons, Molina, Sentara Community Plan (formerly Optima/VA Premier), and United Healthcare Community Plan. She is also able to see those not on these insurances for a sliding scale, negotiable fee.
Heather works directly under the supervision of clinical supervisor Dr. Jill Nardin at: jill@freespiritonline.org or 757-204-1866. Therapy with Free Spirit Counseling interns is free of charge through our Free Spirit Cares non-profit program.