Heidi grew up in Paonia, spending her childhood on a 40-acre organic farm. Although she ventured to other parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, she eventually returned to Paonia, drawn back by its undeniable charm. Her academic journey led her to earn a BS in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry from Fort Lewis College. In her initial career phase, Heidi managed various environmental and FDA regulatory testing laboratories. Over a span of 15 years, she gained firsthand insight into the extent of environmental pollution, sparking a deep-seated desire for change towards sustainability. Recognizing the pivotal role of education in driving this change, she returned to school to obtain a teaching certificate for high school science.
Transitioning to education, Heidi imparted knowledge on environmental and plant science at one of Texas’s largest high schools, aiming to equip young minds with the tools to lead sustainable lives. Following over a decade of dedicated research into sustainable living practices, she resolved to practice what she preached. Returning to Paonia, she established a sustainable minifarm while continuing her passion for teaching high school students about environmental science and related subjects. When the opportunity arose to join SEI, Heidi saw it as the perfect alignment of her technical expertise and educational passion. With this role, she aimed to directly contribute to the creation of a more sustainable world for all.