Heidi is a lifelong advocate for healthy places to live, work, and play; and is on a mission to build a more equitable and just world. Prior to joining UCLArts & Healing, she was Executive Director of Immunize Nevada, Associate Director at University Studies Abroad Consortium, and Art Therapist at The Center for Hope & Safety and The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois. As Community Initiatives Manager, Heidi is passionate about connecting with individuals and groups at the intersection of public health, expressive arts, and community. She believes public health challenges are best solved through collective action, collaboration, and community partnerships. Originally from Chicago, Heidi’s deep appreciation of the arts grew through the abundance of museums, music, theatre, and dance she experienced throughout her childhood. She graduated from DePaul University with a B.A. in Studio Art, received a M.A. in Art Therapy from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and completed an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Duke University.