Her Story
About Heather
Heather Pantalone, Psy.D., LICSW, LCSW-S, is the Owner and CEO of Success Counseling and Coaching, PLLC, where she provides executive leadership assessments, coaching, operational psychology, and performance analytics. A doctoral-level behavioral scientist and former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, Heather brings more than a decade of experience spanning clinical psychology, social work, military service, healthcare, and organizational leadership. She specializes in translating behavioral and psychometric data into actionable strategies that support leadership readiness, workforce optimization, and organizational resilience.
Heather’s diverse career includes serving as a Post Doctoral Clinical Psychologist Fellow at VCounselors, a Clinical Psychologist Intern at Austin Psychologic and Testing Center, and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with the Defense Health Agency. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Veterans Health Administration, provided emergency department social work services, supported veterans and active-duty service members, and contributed to initiatives addressing human and sex trafficking. Her professional focus includes human capital and behavioral analytics, executive and suitability assessment, macro systems change, performance optimization, crisis leadership, couples and family therapy, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership.
Heather earned her Doctor of Clinical Psychology from California Southern University in 2025 and her Master of Social Work from Syracuse University, with an advanced macro-organizational focus. Her approach is grounded in human growth, operational excellence, ethical leadership, and systemic health, with a commitment to helping organizations strengthen leadership and workforce performance while mitigating human capital risk. She also values faith, family, service, and continuous personal growth, and seeks to apply her multidisciplinary background to corporate leadership, executive coaching, and global organizational advisory work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith. Being able to have some fundamental principles and ethics that are faith-driven are guideposts for me. I also look to my ancestral heritage, my great-grandparents who came from Europe, and the sacrifices they made to establish America. This drives me to leave a legacy for future generations.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's not my business what other people say about me. Leadership can be lonely at times, so not to embrace feeling the isolation of that, but look for other leaders to have connection with.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There are a lot of resources to support people who are driven and motivated. Look at community resources, college career counseling, small business services for entrepreneurial ideas. Use networking platforms like LinkedIn, attend training and master's classes. Don't be afraid to ask for mentorship when you need some mature guidance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The integration of AI and its impact on the employment sector, with concerns about job loss and ethical considerations. But it's also exciting as a tool for entrepreneurs and creators who are risk takers in the economy, helping to create employment opportunities and stabilize the economy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith and family are my top priority. My commitment to marriage has been a steadfast value that has helped both my husband and myself succeed, and also our children. Loyalty and commitment, forgiving quickly, and having difficult conversations are important, as they are the cornerstone for conflict resolution.
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