Heather’s Story

Born and raised in Plant City, Heather earned her education degree from the University of South Florida in 1999. After moving to Lakeland as a young adult, she became a successful and well-loved teacher at Valleyview Elementary and South McKeel Elementary Academy where she had a profound effect on her students. Heather was also the loving mother of two beautiful daughters, Paige and Jordyn. Tragically, Heather was killed on August 23, 2008 in a horrific act of domestic violence. The Heather’s Hope Foundation celebrates the life of this mother and teacher while raising public awareness about the “silent tragedy” of domestic abuse.