Heather Grover
Spokane,WA
Summary
Highly motivated student and professional with extensive experience in coaching, instruction, and leadership. Demonstrated strengths include active listening, creative problem solving, and composure in high-pressure situations. Passionate about cross-disciplinary learning and committed to cultivating inclusive, innovative, and adaptable experiences that engage individuals in meaningful personal growth. Dedicated to supporting individuals in building resilience that is grounded in community and relationship.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Horseback Riding Instructor
Sunhaven Arena
Cheney, WA
2021 - Current
- Provide individualized horseback riding instruction to children, adolescents, and adults with varying skill levels.
- Applies trauma-informed coaching principles to create a safe, supportive learning environment that accommodates each rider's history and needs.
- Specializes in supporting riders experiencing fear, anxiety, or low confidence around horses.
- Builds trust and strong rapport with students and families while teaching horsemanship, communication, and foundational riding skills.
- Teaches both individual and group lessons that emphasize an inclusive learning environment focused on respect for both horse and rider.
- Develops lesson plans and utilizes creative strategies to help riders develop skills and confidence.
Executive Coach
Self
Spokane, WA
2019 - Current
- Provided trauma-informed coaching to individuals navigating professional, academic, and personal challenges.
- Guided clients through goal setting and problem solving strategies using active listening, motivational interviewing, and collaborative action planning.
- Built trusting relationships with diverse clients through clear, compassionate communication, confidentiality, and reliability.
- Managed scheduling, documentation, billing, and ongoing professional development as an independent coaching professional.
Fitness Coach
Self
Spokane, WA
2013 - 2019
- Founded and managed an independent fitness coaching business providing individualized and group fitness training for clients with a range of goals, abilities, and backgrounds.
- Created inclusive environments that emphasized accessibility, personal growth and resilience, stress management, and community connection.
- Adapted coaching approached to accommodate varying learning styles, comfort levels, and physical capabilities.
- Guided over one hundred first-time racers through rugged obstacle-race events in Washington, Montana, and Oregon.
- Managed business operations, maintained certifications in multiple fitness modalities, and engaged in ongoing education and collaboration with other fitness professionals.
- Contracted with multiple local fitness facilities to provide coaching services including Spokane Fitness Center, Liberty Lake Athletic Club, GTX Sports Performance, and Spokane Boxing.
General Manager
Spokane Fitness Center
Spokane, WA
2010 - 2013
- Oversaw daily facility operations for all departments including group fitness, personal training, aquatics, and court rentals as well as managing front desk operations.
- Managed employee recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, and disciplinary processes across all departments and developed the employee handbook.
- Managed membership sales, scheduling, conflict resolution, and customer service concerns.
- Collaborated regularly with ownership on operational planning, business strategy, staffing, and sales programs.
- Coordinated communication and operational consistency between multiple facility locations.
- Planned and executed gym events that focused on community engagement in partnership with nonprofit organizations.
- Assisted with facility renovations and maintenance planning to improve safety, functionality, and provide a welcoming environment to best serve members' needs.
Sales Associate
Nordstrom
Seattle, WA
2008 - 2010
- Assisted families in selecting properly fitted children's footwear while providing attentive, individualized customer service.
- Led regular shoe-tying classes for children as community outreach for the department.
- Resolved customer concerns with empathy, adaptability, and clear communication.
- Managed multiple responsibilities in a fast paced retail environment while maintaining strong attention to detail and professionalism.
- Collaborated with team members to support department goals, inventory organization, and high quality customer care.
Veterinary Assistant
Broadway Veterinary Hospital
Seattle, WA
2007 - 2009
- Assisted veterinary staff in examining and treating animals, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of examination rooms, equipment, and supplies.
- Provided compassionate care to patients during procedures, minimizing stress for animals.
- Monitored vital signs and communicated changes to veterinarians during treatments.
- Supported patients and clients through end-of-life decisions and procedures with empathy and calm clarity.
- Educated pet owners on post-care instructions and wellness practices for their pets.
- Assisted in the administration of medications, vaccinations, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans.
- Ensured accuracy of medical records by diligently documenting all relevant information for each patient visit.
- Collaborated with veterinary staff to provide exceptional customer service while managing phone calls and front desk tasks.
Dance Instructor
Self
Spokane, WA
2002 - 2007
- Developed personalized dance curricula for diverse age groups and skill levels.
- Conducted engaging group classes, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Utilized various dance styles to enhance students' technical skills and creativity.
- Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback to promote improvement.
- Developed, promoted, and led annual summer dance camps for dancers age 6-12.
- Managed scheduling and billing, maintaining consistent communication with parents and students.
Education
No Degree - Dance
Cornish College of The Arts
Seattle, WANo Degree -
Seattle Central Community College
Seattle, WABachelor of Arts - Psychology
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA2027
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Spokane Falls Community College
Spokane, WA2025
Certificate of Completion -
CULTIVATE Trauma Informed Training
Cleveland, OH2021
Skills
- Active Listening
- Creative Problem Solving
- Conflict Management
- Collaborative Communication
- Individualized Instruction
- Group Facilitation
- Program Development
- Behavioral Observation
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
- Scheduling and Organization
Accomplishments
- President's List, Gonzaga University (2026)
- Featured Speaker for Listen To Your Mother (2017)
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association, Student Affiliate
- CULTIVATE Trauma Informed Training, Alumn
- Sunhaven Arena, Instructor
- Canopy Credit Union, Coach and Consultant
Timeline
Horseback Riding Instructor
Sunhaven Arena
2021 - Current
Executive Coach
Self
2019 - Current
Fitness Coach
Self
2013 - 2019
General Manager
Spokane Fitness Center
2010 - 2013
Sales Associate
Nordstrom
2008 - 2010
Veterinary Assistant
Broadway Veterinary Hospital
2007 - 2009
Dance Instructor
Self
2002 - 2007
No Degree - Dance
Cornish College of The Arts
No Degree -
Seattle Central Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Gonzaga University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Spokane Falls Community College
Certificate of Completion -
CULTIVATE Trauma Informed Training