The physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation she experienced in just one hour ignited a deep commitment to the practice. Concepts like self-awareness, breathwork, meditation, and equanimity, once foreign, became cornerstones of her understanding, anchoring her in a new way of perceiving the world and herself.
Heather has always been drawn to roles that empower others. While studying at Purdue University, she volunteered at a Suicide Hotline Center, helping individuals discover their “living clues” and guiding them to see another day. This work deepened her appreciation for self-awareness and the importance of holding space for others—skills that would become central to her yoga practice and teaching.
Her professional journey took her through impactful roles at Make-A-Wish, where she connected children facing life-threatening illnesses with their one true wish, and at Moonridge Group, where she advised philanthropists and organizations on maximizing their community impact. Throughout these experiences, Heather remained deeply connected to her yoga practice, finding solace and strength in it, especially as she guided others toward their potential.
In 2017, Heather’s desire to share the transformative power of yoga led her to complete her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Jonny Kest’s LifePowerYoga Program. Balancing her career with teaching yoga in the evenings and weekends at Lifetime Fitness and Tribe Yoga, she brought the principles of yoga into her life and work, emphasizing the practice of Karma yoga—the “yoga of action.”
The challenges of 2020, marked by a global health crisis and social upheaval, reinforced Heather’s belief in the power of yoga and community. While working remotely full time, she adapted to teaching virtually, meeting students where they were, often in their own living rooms. As the pandemic evolved, this period underscored the value of health and the importance of community, leading to the physical manifestation of Vibe Yoga. What began as a way to stay healthy and connected during the pandemic later evolved into a 1,900 sq ft studio that serves as a sanctuary for growth and healing.
As the community and impact of Vibe Yoga grew, Heather transitioned her efforts full- time to focus on its operations, while also prioritizing her own continued yoga education. She completed a 300hr Yoga Teacher Training through Jason Hulshof’s HeartYoga program, who also is deeply rooted in Jonny Kest lineage. This inspiring training ignited a deeper spark within and helped Heather crystallize her dharma.
Today, Heather, mom of two girls, gratefully co-owns Vibe Yoga with Elana. She pours her love into all studio operations and management, while passionately sharing the principles, philosophies, and benefits of yoga through her teaching. She co-leads both 200-hour and 300-hour Vibe Yoga Teacher Trainings, continuing to empower others on their spiritual and physical journeys.