At 18, Heather moved full-time to New York City to study under acclaimed acting teacher Anthony Abeson and would soon win the role of “Cat,” Sela Ward’s rebellious daughter, in the Emmy-winning NBC series “Sisters.”  A year later, she was offered the “Surfer Betty” role in a new show, “Beverly Hills 90210” starring Shannon Doherty, Luke Perry, and Jason Priestly.

After six successful years on "Sisters," Heather decided to focus on her education and enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts summer program in England while celebrating the birth of her daughter Dani.

It was early 2011, and Heather was participating in the Aids Ride from San Francisco to L.A. when she noticed an unusual weakness in her limbs and a slight loss of balance, forcing her to forfeit the ride. Then, after several neurological tests and a week of sleepless nights, she received the devastating news. She was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Degeneration, a slowly progressive brain disorder that affects speech, balance, and gait, and currently has no cure. 

And thus began Heather’s new mission: to draw awareness, educate and encourage acceptance of this and all disabilities.

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