Dear Friends and readers, 

Back-to-school season will always hold a special place in my heart because, before becoming the publisher of Stroll Pinnacle, I spent nearly 15 years as a teacher in Florida.

I taught primarily third and fourth grade at South McKeel Academy, along with a few years in sixth grade, and also spent a wonderful year teaching at The Island School on Boca Grande. I truly loved being a teacher. There was something incredibly rewarding about helping students discover their strengths, encouraging their curiosity and watching their confidence grow.

Education was actually my second career. Before entering the classroom, I worked for IBM as a network engineer. Eventually, I realized that teaching was where my heart was, so I returned to school and earned my master’s degree in education.

Throughout my years in the classroom, I found a way to combine both of those worlds through educational technology. I presented at educational technology conferences across the country, led professional development for other educators and loved finding creative ways to make learning more engaging.

That passion eventually took our family to Fort Collins, Colorado, where I became an educational technologist for Poudre School District. When funding changes led to our team being eliminated, I found myself at an unexpected crossroads. I loved education, but it was also incredibly demanding work, and like so many educators know, the compensation rarely reflects the time, energy and heart teachers give.

It was during my time in Fort Collins that I first learned about Stroll magazines. Then, after my youngest daughter, Isabelle, graduated from high school, we decided to move to beautiful Northwest Arkansas to be closer to my oldest son and my grandchildren.

We had been here for only about two weeks when I was offered the opportunity to become the publisher of Stroll Pinnacle. It has been an absolute dream ever since.

So much of what I loved about teaching has carried into this role. I still get to listen, learn, encourage people and bring a community together. I love meeting residents, discovering the stories behind your families, businesses, accomplishments, traditions and passions, and then finding creative ways to share them each month.

Storytelling also runs in my family. My grandmother, Grace Whitten, was a writer for her local newspaper and had her own cooking column and radio show. She became a bit of a celebrity in her small town, and she had a tremendous influence on me. She taught me that finding the story begins with truly listening and asking the right questions. I carry that lesson with me into every interview and every article I write. I know she would be incredibly proud of what we are building together. More coming on me in a future issue! 

Although I may be the publisher, this magazine belongs to you. It is created exclusively for the residents of Pinnacle Country Club and mailed directly to every home within the neighborhood. I want to hear what kinds of stories and articles you would enjoy seeing. Please share your ideas, recommend your neighbors and continue sending in your family milestones, travels, recipes, pets, accomplishments and photographs. The more residents who participate, the more meaningful and connected this magazine becomes.

I also want you to know that I approach every story and every partnership with the best intentions. I do not accept payment for editorial articles. That is not the kind of magazine we are. Our business partners may have opportunities to share their expertise, provide helpful information and introduce residents to valuable local resources, but our editorial content is never something a person or business can simply purchase.

I personally interview and vet every business before inviting them to become a Stroll Pinnacle partner. I turn businesses away when I do not believe they are the right fit because I only want to introduce this community to companies I feel confident recommending.

Those dedicated local businesses make this magazine possible through their advertising support, allowing it to be delivered to residents at no cost. My biggest request is that you please consider using our business partners when you need their services. Let them know you saw them in Stroll Pinnacle, thank them for supporting your community and recommend businesses you believe would be a wonderful fit. Your support helps encourage our partners to renew and allows us to continue bringing this magazine to your homes each month.

Thank you for welcoming me, trusting me with your stories and becoming more involved with every issue. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I hope even more of you will reach out in the months ahead.

If your household is not receiving the magazine or you are experiencing any delivery issues, please let me know. Most importantly, please keep getting involved. This magazine is at its very best when it reflects the people, relationships and stories that make this community so special.

With love and gratitude,
Heather