Tag: Heather Colligan

For the last 9 years, Heather Colligan has championed the cause for healing and recovery for teens and families alike. Her commitment and dedication to the families that cross her path is truly remarkable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from alumni how invaluable Heather was in their lives while they were in treatment. One of the things that has always impressed me about Heather is her ability to remain soft in her approach while maintaining firmness in her convictions–she demonstrates what I like to call “fierce compassion.”  Heather is held in high regard by both clients and staff alike; she is proof that bringing heartfulness to the table when working with teens and their families is both an art and a gift. We are extremely fortunate to have her on our team and as part of the Visions family.

 

The staff really had some inspiring things to say:

 

“Heather puts her heart and soul into her work.  She is one of the most caring and dedicated people I’ve ever known, and Visions is lucky to have her.” Patrick Schettler

“It is hard to imagine Visions without her…so I won’t. What a composed professional and cool operator while in the thick of it. I remember being blown away the first time I sat in with her during an intense session. Never had I seen someone with so much compassion and clarity of purpose in tandem. She has the ability to show true kindness, navigate road blocks to therapeutic growth while remaining detached yet invested. What a tenacious advocate these kids have had in her over these many years.” Roger L’Hereault

“Heather is wonderful. Watching her work with our kids is great because she knows how to draw them out and make them realize what they are capable of. Even on her craziest and busiest days, Heather manages to keep it together and keep the Latigo house going. Heather is the foundation and heartbeat of Latigo.” Lianne Domingo

“I have known Heather since she arrived at Visions.  Always positive and quite funny, she has this delightful ability to laugh at her own foibles. This amazing quality continually helps me as well as the clients to release us from the unrealistic expectation monsters we impose on ourselves; Quite a gift!

Anyone that is around Heather recognizes her love of the color purple. Any art she has done with me is full of  wonderful shades of lavender, lilac, purple and plum. Purple is also the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind. And, she is aptly named, as Heather is a purple-flowered plant that grows abundantly on the Scottish moors.  It is beautiful and very tenacious  – definitely two of Heather’s qualities. Thank you, Heather, for your amazing gifts!  They have influenced us all.” — Susan “The Art Lady” O’Connor

 

And of course, Heather couldn’t escape our list of curious questions:

 

1. What inspired you to work with adolescents?

 I taught high school for years and I loved the teens, but many of them had other issues impacting their schooling, so I decided to get my next degree in counseling, so I could help in a different way.

 2. Cloth or disposable?

 Disposable of course!

 3. What’s your ideal vacation spot?

 Ski trip to Switzerland. Used to take school trips there as a kid. I loved it.

4. Funniest craving when you were carrying your son?

None, actually.

5. Guilty TV pleasure?

Revenge.

6. Optimist, Pessimist, or Realist?  

Realist.

7. Anna Freud, Erik Erikson, or Jean Piaget?

All

8. Has becoming a parent changed your worldview?

Yes, I am even more aware that harmony is needed.

9. If you were a Muppet, who would you be?

Kermit.

10. Why do you choose to work for Visions?

I really enjoy seeing people change their lives and feel honored that families let me accompany them on their journey.