DR. HEATHER MANGELSDORF

Dr. Heather Mangelsdorf is an educator, musician, performer, and mom devoted to helping children and caregivers grow together with wisdom, warmth, and wonder. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Chicago and has spent over 15 years as a researcher, professor, and instructional designer exploring how humans learn and thrive. Her work is grounded in research on the psychology of music, movement, and performance, and explores how the arts support cognitive, social, and emotional development.

A lifelong performer, Heather has trained in dance for over 20 years, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, and holds a dance minor from Bryn Mawr College, where she developed her voice as a choreographer. She has performed in musical theater throughout her life, including Ovation’s Page to Stage program in recent years. A singer and multi-instrumentalist, she brings experience in choirs and a cappella, along with a deep love of music-making across guitar, piano, saxophone, and percussion. As a certified yoga and Zumba instructor, she integrates a strong foundation in mindfulness, embodiment, and joyful expression into her teaching.

She is the creator of the Laney Learns series and founder of Dr. Heather LLC, where she blends storytelling, science, and song to nurture connection, emotional resilience, and the deeply human skills children and caregivers need in an increasingly digital world. When she’s not writing children’s books, you’ll find her dancing with her daughter, making balloon animals, singing show tunes, and reminding tired caregivers they’re not alone. To learn more, visit DrHeather.org.

ROLES WITH OVATION:

• Broadway Buddies Instructor

• Operations & Systems Support

• Camp Coordinator (Summer 2026)