Heather
Ma

Her Story

Heather is an Episcopal priest who is grateful to count Trinity Presbyterian Church among her ecumenical family. It is a joy and privilege for her to serve and minister in this welcoming, beloved community.

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Originally from Richmond, VA, Heather grew up Baptist, was baptized as an infant by her granddaddy—a United Methodist pastor—and now feels right at home in the wide embrace of God’s diverse Church. After earning her B.S. in Dietetics from James Madison University (go Dukes!), she graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She later attended Vanderbilt Divinity School and completed a Certificate in Anglican Studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA—where she also met her spouse, Paul.

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She has spent over a decade in ministry with students of all ages, especially college students and youth, focusing on building authentic community and nurturing the practices of prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. She has also served as a hospital chaplain and in churches across the country and across denominations. 

Heather is a certified yoga teacher, passionate about embodied spirituality and helping others encounter God’s presence in and through the physical world (even during downward dog). She’s a musician (voice, guitar, and piano) who believes that music is one of the clearest ways heaven finds us in the here and now. As a spiritual director, Heather finds her deepest joy in companioning others through the sacred beauty—and messiness—of life.

Heather lives in Staunton with Paul, their spirited toddler, two sweet dogs, and more houseplants than she’s willing to count (she’s running out of windows to fill!). Baby #2 is expected in November, and when she’s not working or chasing toddlers, she loves to cook, share meals with friends, and is learning to garden—one brave tomato plant at a time.