Heather Schjenken has dedicated 20 years to serving the youth of her community as a teacher, coach, and ministry leader. Her passion lies in fostering healthy communities where all young people can thrive. As the prevention coordinator in Deer River, Minnesota, she helped lead a remarkable community transformation, achieving a 50% reduction in underage drinking rates in just five years using the Positive Community Norms approach.

Now a Senior Youth Trainer at The Montana Institute, Heather travels to communities to share the Science of the Positive framework with youth groups. She coaches other leaders on applying this framework with rigor and fidelity. Additionally, Heather serves as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ, a county-wide non-profit that operates youth programs and a dynamic youth center.

Heather holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has worked with youth since graduating college, including roles in youth ministry, coaching, and substitute teaching. Twelve years ago, she was introduced to the Science of the Positive framework and realized the need for youth-specific training. This led her to collaborate with Jeff and Sara, becoming a youth trainer for TMI.

Heather finds immense joy in witnessing the "lightbulb moments" when young people begin to understand their impact on their community. She loves helping youth recognize their power to create positive change. Heather deeply appreciates the positive impact of her fellow TMI trainers and Jeff on her life over the past 12 years.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys anything to do with nature, traveling, musky and fly river fishing, painting, reading, snowboarding, and spending time with her family. Her greatest joy comes from her family and the many activities she enjoys in northern Minnesota.