Sunderhaft Consulting
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About
Step into the captivating world of Heidi Sunderhaft—a journey that spans from the tranquil shores of West Michigan to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. With three decades dedicated to education and leadership, Heidi now explores new passions as a Gallup StrengthsFinder Coach, guiding individuals as well as teams towards their fullest potential. Alongside her coaching endeavors, Heidi immerses herself in Pilates instruction, the whimsical art of balloon twisting, and her Jot Journal, all rooted in her mantra, "Live, Love, Laugh." This philosophy underpins everything she does, infusing joy and positivity into each endeavor. Discover more about Heidi's inspiring journey by delving deeper into her story.
Heidi's professional journey began with a 30-year tenure in education, a path that has shaped much of who she is today. It all started in West Michigan, where she spent a decade teaching sixth grade. Always aspiring for leadership, Heidi pursued her master's in educational leadership, which propelled her from the classroom to administrative roles. She served as an assistant principal, dean of students, and athletic director in middle school, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
Embracing a challenge, Heidi ventured into the elementary world as a principal, a role she initially hadn't envisioned for herself. Her career saw her transition between districts in Michigan, culminating in a position as a high school principal. Alongside her educational roles, she also engaged in consulting, working with diverse schools including an inner-city school and a Career Tech, enriching her extensive background in public education.
One of the highlights of Heidi's career has been her impact on students, staff, and the academic world. She has always had a passion for initiating new programs, particularly in the realm of theater. Heidi founded a theater program at Mona Shores Middle School back in 1990, a program that remains strong and vibrant today. Similarly, a program she started in East Grand Rapids continues to thrive. These theater programs stand out as significant achievements, alongside her school's consistent ranking in the top five in the state academically.
Evaluating and working with staff members to help them reach their full potential has been another rewarding aspect of Heidi's career. In the realm of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), she pioneered the first school out of seven in Michigan to adopt this program. This achievement led her to speak at state conferences and implement PBIS in various districts, marking it as a substantial highlight and accomplishment in her career.
Every stage of Heidi's journey in education has been about making a difference, starting new initiatives, and leaving a lasting impact. This foundation in education has been instrumental in shaping her approach to coaching and leadership, allowing her to apply these diverse experiences in her current endeavors.
Background
in Education
Heidi Sunderhaft's journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to community involvement and enriching the lives of others. From her rewiring from education to her discovery of passions like balloon twisting and Pilates, Heidi's path has been guided by her mantra of "Live, Love, Laugh." Her extensive involvement with organizations such as the Miss Michigan Scholarship Program, Muskegon Civic Theatre, the Penguin Project, and the Coopersville Train Board reflects her commitment to community enrichment and inclusivity. Currently, Heidi actively contributes to projects like Joy Prom in Las Vegas, where she twists balloons for the event, spreading joy and advocating for diversity and inclusion. Her journey epitomizes a lifelong commitment to understanding and embracing the uniqueness of each individual, enriching her perspective and approach in every endeavor.
Community Involvement
ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS
Passion for Consulting
In addition to her journey with balloons, Pilates, and community involvement, Heidi has always harbored a deep-seated desire to be a consultant and coach, aiming for a broader impact beyond the confines of a classroom. This aspiration was ignited during her early exposure to Gallup in the 90s. She recalls attending a Gallup session in place of her superintendent, a moment that sparked a profound realization in her – she wanted to be the one leading such presentations.
Fast forward to her time in Las Vegas, Heidi met a fellow Gallup coach who saw potential in her and encouraged her to pursue coaching. This pivotal moment rekindled her passion for making a difference in people's lives and helping them reach their fullest potential. Heidi is drawn to people; they are her 'jam'. The energy and passion in human connections fuel her, and she imparts the same energy to others.
Heidi invested time and effort to become a certified coach, with a vision to guide leaders and managers through one-on-one coaching and champion students and staff in the educational sector. Her broad skillset and experience in education form a strong foundation for this endeavor, but she does not limit herself to this field alone. Heidi aims to coach individuals in various leadership roles, leveraging her background to help them discover and utilize their strengths.
Heidi's 'why' for Gallup Coaching is deeply rooted in her passion for education and her experience in working with diverse groups - from students and parents to larger staff and organizations. She utilizes this platform to delve into what makes each individual successful, focusing on their unique strengths. This approach is a culmination of everything she has learned and experienced, allowing her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she coaches, guiding them towards their journey and destiny. Heidi's career as a principal was just the beginning; now, as a Gallup StrengthsFinder Coach, she can fully harness her passion and knowledge to impact lives on a much broader scale.