Heather Avena

Heather Avena is a passionate and empathetic social services professional currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Arizona State University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Brigham Young University and brings several years of hands-on experience supporting individuals and families in diverse settings.

Heather believes deeply in the power of vulnerability, personal growth, and a strong support system. Her approach is rooted in a strengths-based perspective, focusing on empowering clients to recognize their resilience and capacity for change. She finds purpose in walking alongside others—whether in one-on-one sessions, group work, and through creative recreational therapy—to help them reach their therapeutic goals.

Her professional background includes working with families raising children with special healthcare needs, supporting immigrant teens in foster care and their caregivers, and assisting refugees navigating complex life transitions. She has also worked in inpatient settings with adolescents and women experiencing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.

Fluent in Spanish and deeply appreciative of cultural diversity, Heather has lived in different countries in Latin America, and recently made the move from Washington state with her family. She enjoys traveling and learning from different cultures. Her global perspective and inclusive mindset inform her practice and help her build meaningful, trust-based relationships with clients from all walks of life.

Heather is working under the supervision of Maggie Milligan, LCSW

License Number: 11064806-3501

801-298-5222