Heather Alexander LMFT

I had to grow up before I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up.  After graduating high school I earned my Bachelor's of Science from Baldwin-Wallace College in Biology and Chemistry in Berea, Ohio.  I spent some time working for the EPA as an inorganic chemist and I hated it.  Tried compounding pharmacy, still not happy.  Then I moved to North Carolina.  This allowed me to gain experience in other fields before earning my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in pediatrics and adolescents. I continue to work on my Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, again specializing in pediatrics and adolescents.  In the years between, I was not sure what I wanted to do, so I had to figure it out.  I spent many years in clinical research.  At Duke University, I managed the infectious disease clinic, where I ran drug trials and worked with the CDC and NIH.  The clinic coordinated efforts with the local HIV community for education and prevention.   I then moved on to manage research for Duke's School of Nursing where I worked on grants, compliance and taught research to PhD students.  I also spent time in breast cancer research at the Lineberger Center at UNC Chapel Hill.  Previously I gained several years of experience in a sleep lab, becoming certified in NeuroFeedback and running the Insomnia Clinic.  During this time I enjoyed patient contact and helping others, but knew my place was a different role.  It was when I left Duke, I applied graduate school and have not looked back.

Today I am a busy wife and mom of three girls, all of who are in middle school.  When I am not driving kids, cooking with my husband,  therapizing at work or reading, I enjoy a day on the lake with my family or my hands in the dirt.  Nature is truly my happy place, which truly pours over into The Homestead.  There are plants started from so many places ready for new homes.  My connection with nature embodies so much of how I practice as a clinician.  I enjoy yoga for my personal growth and find peace with the time on the mat, so does my pug.  She likes to sneeze in my eye.  

I do have siblings and they are amazing.  I discovered I had them by chance in March of 2022 through an ancestry DNA test you can order on-line.  It has been such a heartwarming journey getting to know them.  The beautiful pictures on this site that are professional were taken by one of my sisters.  She is a brilliant artist. I share this to let you know that everyone has messiness in their life and things happen that are outside of our control.  What ever therapist you chose to share your pain and "I have never told anyone that" moments with, please know they will support you, without judgement.  You do not have to go through any of this alone.