Heather was born and raised as a single child in Calgary, Alberta. After graduating high school in Calgary, Heather attended Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) and studied Technical Communications, earning a Bachelor of Applied Communications. This was followed by a short career in emergency preparedness planning and communications, first with The City of Calgary, then with Alberta Health Services (which included drafting emergency plans in the event of a worldwide pandemic).

In deciding to expand her professional endeavours, Heather upgraded her Bachelor of Applied Communications to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Calgary (while also working with government in emergency preparedness and business continuity initiatives). After graduating with her BA, Heather attended Law School at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2013. This was followed by an Articling position with Calgary Legal Guidance, non-profit legal organization dedicated to providing free legal guidance to those who do not have access to paid services.

Since completing her articles, Heather has worked at a small firm in Calgary, as a Crown Prosecutor in northern Saskatchewan, and now at Ackroyd LLP, a mid-size law firm in downtown Edmonton. Heather practices mostly in the areas of employment law and criminal defence.

Heather herself has first-hand knowledge and experience of domestic abusive situations and understands that it can, for many women, feel impossible to escape from. Heather knows that outside resources are often necessary (if not the key) for women who wish to escape their abusive partners. Heather is eager to be a member of WINGS of Providence so she can give back to her community and help others who have their own story to tell regarding domestic abuse and survival.

While not at work, Heather’s passions include animal rescue and welfare, reading, taking long walks in nature, spending time with her two furry felines, and of course, advancing the interests of women and children who have experienced domestic violence.