Heather Sayers Lehman
More HSL LLC
Phoenix, AZ, UNITED STATES
Hope Didn't Find Me. I Found Hope.
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Biography
In 2010, Heather Sayers Lehman’s path took an unexpected turn when, after their break-up, her boyfriend locked himself inside her personal training studio and took his own life. Suffering from PTSD and a roller coaster of trauma-induced emotion, Heather sought help through various forms of counseling and therapy, which proved ineffective. She turned to art as a means of expressing herself and working through her grief. Randomly exploring different mediums, she discovered that the silence and focus of creating art abated her anger and stilled her mind. The artistic process gave her the greatest peace she’d experienced since her boyfriend’s death. It was then that Heather decided to create a venue to inspire the artwork of others in stages of grief and loss and to display it. The development of MyBrokenHeartArt.com and subsequent presentations of the site have brought Heather closer to being the person she wants to be.
Born and raised in Indiana, Heather holds her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Indiana State University. Her career has encompassed athletics, rehabilitation, teaching, fitness and wellness. Over the past several years, she has transitioned to wellness in order to make a more comprehensive and meaningful impact in the lives of her clients. She currently works for Cigna as an Onsite Health Coach in Phoenix, where she has lived for 15 years.
As a health coach, Heather helps individuals improve their nutrition, increase physical activity, manage their stress and learn about the disease process. She feels that emotional eating is the culprit of many health problems her clients face, she has observed that people make themselves sick simply by using food to cope with grief and loss, solve their problems and keep them company. Through her work and personal journey, Heather’s mission is to help others lose the food and find emotional solace through creative outlets instead.
Most importantly, Heather is the lucky mother of two phenomenal boys, Lucas and Maxwell, who inspire her to leave a legacy of truth and happiness.
Areas of Expertise (3)
Creating Hope and Healing
Corporate Wellness
Emotional Eating
Education (2)
Indiana University - Bloomington: BS Kinesiology, Athletic Training/ Psychology minor 1993
Indiana State University: MS Exercise Science, Exercise Science/Athletics Strength & Conditioning 2004
Links (1)
Testimonials (3)
Tom McDermott, Chief Ignition Officer | Ignite!
I witnessed Heather's gift for storytelling when I saw her speak at TEDxTempe. Although it was an incredible story of tragedy and hope, it was Heather's raw honesty, creative wit, humor and artful storytelling that truly captured the audiences attention. Heather was real - she was herself, and the audience was able to easily connect with her as a result. We all listened intently, as if we were listening to a dear friend share their story. Heather had us all on the edge of our seats and in the palm of her hand, and this is what all great storytellers naturally do. Heather has a gift that needs to be shared!
JoBeth Jamison, Features & Online Editor | Phoenix Focus Magazine
In the growing tide of coaches and counselors, Heather Lehman easily stands out as a wellness rarity. Not only is she highly experienced in teaching the art of finding physical balance, she is a survivor who has creatively overcome repeated hardship and found emotional balance through art itself. As a teacher, she is an exemplary model of someone who excels in shaping a healthy mind, body and spirit. Beyond a deep commitment to her clients in all facets of wellness, she is equally committed to her own path of continued learning and growth.
Traci Scott, Director of Sales | KTVK 3TV, KASW CW6, azfamily.com
Heather is truly an inspiration. I had the opportunity to attend a local TED talk featuring Heather and was amazed at her poise, confidence, courage and compassion. Her words connected with the audience on many levels and in real terms that hit home. I left feeling personally inspired to overcome, and I know she had the same affect on the rest of the attendees. I would not hesitate to hire Heather to inspire a team to truly reflect, work together and move forward with courage.
Event Appearances (1)
Hope and Healing Are Not Under the Couch Cushions: The Art of Finding Hope
TEDxTempe Tempe, AZ
2013-11-08
Sample Talks (1)
Hope and Healing Are Not Under the Couch Cushions: The Art of Finding Hope
We use all sorts of vices to try to cope. We still have the pain and a set of new problems. Move through the pain and create hope in your life using art as a cathartic process. Creating hope and healing is an active process done with intention.
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- Keynote
- Workshop Leader
- Corporate Training
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