Heather Hebert del Cuadro
Heather Hebert del Cuadro is an Education Specialist, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and developing consultant focused on brain education. She is the founder of Brain Educate Me and serves as Region 6 Director and a board member of the California Association of Resource Specialists Plus (CARS Plus). A longtime special education teacher and counselor, Heather is passionate about creating healthier, kinder, and more inclusive learning environments and considers herself an Earth Citizen committed to whole-person education and community well-being.
Heather specializes in supporting students with extensive behavioral and emotional needs through behavioral interventions, social-emotional learning, and brain-based practices. Her professional philosophy emphasizes respect, positive guidance, and empowering students with calming and self-regulation strategies so they can fully engage in learning. She also integrates body-and-brain approaches such as Qigong, joint exercises, and gut-health strategies to support neuroplasticity, stress management, and overall wellness.
With approximately 27 years of experience in education, Heather’s career began with one-to-one counseling in a level-14 lockdown facility in San Diego, followed by roles as an instructional behavior technician and counselor within San Diego City Schools. She later served as a union representative for the Oceanside Teachers Association, advocating for students with extensive support needs. Heather holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Special Education from National University. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys practicing Qigong, beach boogie boarding, reading, and cooking, activities that reflect her commitment to balance, health, and lifelong learning.
• Sedona Health Coaching
• University of Florida - BS Sociology
• National University - MEd
• International Qigong Silver Award (2018)
• I.D.E.A
• California Association of Resource Specialists Plus (CARS Plus)
• Oceanside Teachers Association
• IDEA Alliance involvement
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to seeing obstacles as opportunities for growth. Challenges have pushed me to adapt, learn quickly, and develop resilience, allowing me to turn setbacks into meaningful progress. This mindset has helped me stay focused, innovative, and forward-looking, even in uncertain or demanding situations.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to learn to laugh and not take life too seriously. Maintaining a sense of humor and perspective has helped me stay grounded, build stronger relationships, and navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. It reminds me that while work matters, balance and levity are essential for long-term success and well-being.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would urge young women entering the industry to plan carefully for the financial startup costs of launching services, including rent, space, and overhead. I also encourage them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than barriers, to seek out strong mentors who can provide guidance and perspective, and to prioritize stress management and self-care from the beginning. Building a sustainable career requires both strategic planning and taking care of yourself along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the financial startup cost. Launching services requires significant upfront investment in space, equipment, and ongoing overhead, which can be a barrier for many professionals. At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity for innovation finding creative, scalable business models and leveraging technology to reduce costs and expand access.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The value most important to me in both my work and personal life is treating others with respect. I believe respect builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best.
Locations
California Association of Resource Specialists Plus Non Profit (CARSPlus)
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
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