Education

Heidi graduated from The College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and initially aspired to attend medical school to become a neurosurgeon. However, her path changed when she became a nanny for a 2-year-old girl with autism, a role she held for 12 years. Through this experience, Heidi discovered her passion for working with children.

She was accepted to Johns Hopkins University to pursue her master’s degree while working as an educational assistant at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Over the years, Heidi advanced to the role of lead classroom teacher, working with students with severe and profound cognitive impairments. During this time, she developed a strong background in behavior management and intervention strategies.

After seven years in the non-public sector, Heidi transitioned to Howard County Public Schools, where she served as the lead teacher for three years in a specialized Academic Life Skills program. She later became a special education teacher, focusing on developing executive functioning skills for students with IEPs. Before leaving public education, Heidi served as the Special Education Team Leader, overseeing a team of more than 14 staff members and supporting the special education needs of her school community.

During her time in Howard County, Heidi earned certifications in research-based reading interventions and behavior. She was also invited to present at several internal conferences and authored two, three-credit courses for the Maryland State Department of Education.

Currently, Heidi holds a dual certification in General and Special Education, her Registered Behavior Technician certification, and a certificate in Executive Function Coaching. She serves as the Secretary on the Board of Camp Inclusion, a nonprofit in Howard County that supports students of all abilities, including those with cognitive, social, or physical disabilities.

On a personal level, Heidi has spent the past six years developing a 100% grass-fed, grass-finished small beef farm, rooted in the principles of regenerative agriculture and responsible land stewardship. This journey has inspired her to embrace a more holistic approach to all aspects of life. In her pursuit of balance and wellness, Heidi returned to school to become certified in reflexology, using it as a tool to promote relaxation and harmony for her child and members of the community. She strongly believes in the healing power of nature and the medicinal properties found in the world around us. Heidi incorporates this philosophy into her work with individuals with special needs, using reflexology as a calming and grounding alternative to medication, helping to support their well-being in a natural and restorative way.

Accomplishments/Publications

Shoemaker-Burnett, H. (2022). Behavior Management: Maryland Learning Links     Baltimore, MD

Shoemaker-Burnett, H. & Rebecca Hurlock (2020). Adaptations: Maryland Coalition for Families                                Columbia, MD

Shoemaker-Burnett, H. (2016). Special Education: Prompting: Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS)                      Columbia, MD

Shoemaker, H. (2014). Special Education: An Overview of Classroom Management: HCPSS                                          Columbia, MD

Shoemaker, H. & Donehower, C. (2011). Autism: An Overview of the Children & Interventions: MDDS Lutherville, MD

Honorary Board Member (2009), Autism Society of America Baltimore Chesapeake Chapter (BCC-ASA) Baltimore, MD

President of Annual Golf Tournament (2006-2010) benefiting BCC-ASA Baltimore, MD                                                                       

Ironman Triathlon Finisher (2013, 2012, 2011)