For over a decade, Heidi has been at the forefront of challenging outdated educational practices, advocating for meaningful reforms, and empowering parents to advocate effectively for their children. In 2024, she testified at the Legislative Council Inquiry into the State of Education in Victoria further cementing her role as a trusted voice in educational reform.

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Heidi combines extensive lived experience as a parent of children with specific learning difficulties with her professional expertise to drive positive change. She works collaboratively with schools, educators, government bodies, and organisations to promote evidence-based education. Through her consulting, advocacy, and workshops, she supports parents and carers with a variety of services, including organising key documentation for assessments, meetings, and applications. She also facilitates meetings with parents, carers, educators, and Allied Health Professionals to ensure a collaborative approach to supporting children’s needs. This includes guidance for ILPs, NDIS plans, evidence for school accommodations, VCAA SEAs, and VTAC SEAS applications.

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Her contributions have been highlighted in several influential books, including What I Need by Nessy, Reading for Life by Lyn Stone, and Wild Things: How We Learn to Read and What Can Happen If We Don't by Sally Rippin, the 2024 Australian Children's Laureate.

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In 2018, Heidi and the Dyslexia Victoria Support team were honoured with the Victorian Premier's Volunteer Champions Award for Teamwork. She currently serves on SPELD Victoria’s Committee of Management as Vice President, volunteers with national organisations, and is a member of the Panel of Experts for Dystinct Magazine.

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Heidi holds a Graduate Certificate in Document Management from RMIT University and a Diploma of Library and Information Studies from Victoria University. Her professional career has included roles as an Information Specialist, Records Manager, and library specialist in schools, complemented by literacy training with La Trobe University, Little Learners Love Literacy, Life Long Literacy, SPELD Victoria, and AUSPELD.

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With extensive lived experience and professional expertise, alongside her work in government, schools, and the State Library of Victoria, Heidi remains committed to championing evidence-based education and advocating for dyslexic and neurodivergent learners.

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*Hunter, J., Stobart, A., and Haywood, A. (2024). The Reading Guarantee: How to give every child the best chance of success. Grattan Institute. Page 10. https://bit.ly/3IcV4Dt