Heather graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in elementary education, has spent the past sixteen years working with students of all ages and is currently an instructional coach, and educator who provides curricular and professional development support to teachers.

Heather lives in Dubuque, Iowa, with her husband, three children and a very spoiled German shorthaired pointer named Maxine. When she's not working, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking and running.

The Weight of Silence is her first novel.