Heather Kay Rasmusen

"Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle just because it’s shining in their eyes."

If you walk into my office, that is the first thing you’ll see. It isn’t just a catchy phrase; it is the heartbeat of my work. In a world that often asks students—especially those in alternative education—to fit into a specific box, I believe the greatest medicine for healing the wounds of the world is the courage to live as our most authentic selves. I am a warrior for that authenticity, helping my students realize that the only feedback they should seek regarding their self-worth comes from within.

My Roots and My "Why"

My journey to becoming a Licensed School Counselor in 2000 was fueled by a lifelong calling to serve others. While my academic path began on a music scholarship, my soul was shaped by years of service as a camp counselor, RA, and teacher’s aide. Today, with an MSE in Counselor Education and 36 additional graduate credits, I specialize in supporting at-risk youth through trauma-sensitive clinical frameworks such as DBT and SBIRT. As a neurodiverse individual myself, I am deeply passionate about my latest initiative: ADHD coaching. I believe a 504 plan is only a piece of paper unless we give teachers and students the practical tools they need to actually thrive in the classroom.

Family and Tradition

Outside of the Wausau School District, my life is anchored by deep, enduring connections. I am the proud mother of two children currently navigating their own paths through college. I come from a powerful lineage of women who have been committed to strengthening our family ties for over 25 years. Twice a year, for over two decades, our "tribe" of sisters and cousins gathers beyond the usual holiday and celebratory occasions for a weekend to recharge and reconnect. Seeing our children now planning to carry this tradition forward is one of my proudest achievements; it is a testament to the power of intentional legacy.

Ride and Shine

When I’m not in the office, you’ll likely find me on the open road. I am an avid motorcycle rider with a flair for the creative. I design a specialized line of riding wear called "Ride and Shine," combining the rigorous safety standards of leather gear with "glamourized" elements—protective gear, vest extenders, and patches that sparkle.

To me, "Ride and Shine" is a metaphor for life: we stay protected and safe, but we never, ever compromise on our shine. Whether I am advocating for a student in a meeting or riding a motorcycle down a Wisconsin highway, my mission is the same: to live authentically and to help everyone I meet do the same.