Heather joined NHWT in 2007.  She is a member of the New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women in which she has been treasurer of the Wellington Branch and National Treasurer. She has also been treasurer of AUSNZ University of Waikato Branch.
A former lecturer in mathematics at the University of Waikato, Heather understands the tertiary sector.

She retired early to Wellington in 1997 and worked at Victoria University of Wellington at various times through to 2005 as a Tutor in Mathematics, Student Learning Support and Science Equity and produced resources for second chance learning in mathematics.