Heather is a teacher, writer, and lifelong lover of the arts. A native of Southern Utah, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University in 2000 and her master’s degree in Education in 2009. During her 20-year career in education, she taught multiple grades and subjects before finishing her academic career teaching writing courses at both Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University.
Heather has long been dedicated to community service and the arts. She serves on the board of Art Provides and has been an active supporter and volunteer with AAUW St. George and Equality Utah. While writing for the SU Independent, she covered a story on Art Around the Corner and was inspired by the organization’s mission to make public art accessible to everyone. That interest deepened after she and her husband purchased a home in historic downtown St. George, where they became even more connected to the city’s growing arts community.
After retiring from academia, Heather’s passion for teaching evolved into yoga and the healing arts. Together, she and her husband own and operate Atkin Studios, a yoga studio and art gallery in downtown St. George that supports local artists while providing a welcoming space for wellness, creativity, and connection.
As Executive Director of the Art Around the Corner Foundation, Heather is honored to help expand public art throughout Southern Utah. She is passionate about building partnerships, supporting artists, and creating opportunities for the community to experience the transformative power of art in everyday life.