Name:
Heather Daley
Role at HeartStrides/How long have you worked here:
I’m currently the Mental Health Therapist for EAYPS. I’ve been involved with Heartstrides since 2009 when it very first started (prior to 501(c)(3) even). I’ve previously been an Instructor, Volunteer Coordinator and Executive Director for the program.
Favorite quote:
“Acceptance of what happens is essential to the discovery of truth.” Author Unknown
What do you love most about HeartStrides?:
I love watching the transformation in our youth over the six weeks and especially love it when they come back as volunteer youth mentors.
Your top 3 favorite Podcasts/Books?:
Podcasts: Hidden Brain, Radio Lab, Planet Money
Books: The Road Less Traveled (Thank you Kristy!), Toward a Psychology of Awakening, Moloka’i.
What’s your background?:
I was a riding instructor and horse trainer for 13 years, and became a therapeutic horseback riding instructor in 2009. I finished my Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2011 and moved away to Tacoma for a few years in 2013. I came back in 2017, and have been working with the program as a therapist ever since. I am also a school counselor at Tumwater Hill Elementary.
What are the values that drive you?:
Primarily kindness, and the belief that individuals are capable of great transformation regardless, or perhaps because of their lived experience.
What kinds of hobbies do you do outside of work?:
Horses are my number one, and I have two who live at Healing Hearts Ranch, Star and Rose. I love to hit the trail as much as possible, although the vast majority of my time these days is spent with my 15-month-old daughter. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, cooking/baking, swimming and paddle boarding.
Tell us something fun about yourself?:
I once took second place in a karaoke contest singing “Goodbye Earl.”
