Dr. Heather Olson considers herself fortunate to have spent 30+ years working with beyond-risk students and currently works in special education in  maximum security and supermax prisons in  Minnesota, USA.  Heather is a licensed and experienced Social Studies teacher, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders teacher and Special Education administrator. She has pursued her passion of working with “beyond-risk” students in rural, urban and suburban settings both inside schools and with state agencies – including the Minnesota Department of Education. She has been adjunct faculty in the Education Department at Augsburg University. Additional experience includes therapeutic work in chemical and mental health.

Heather completed her doctorate in Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Her dissertation was on the impact of trauma on teachers and she frequently presents on trauma-informed educational practices. As the owner of Beyond Risk Youth, LLC, Heather works with stakeholders in education to find innovative ways to reach unique students.

In her free time, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and her dog. She enjoys creative writing and watching the roller derby.