Heidi Dwyer Makoutz ’02, M’04 is thriving in the Bozeman, MT, education community.
Heidi, a religious studies major who earned her master’s degree in education at St. Lawrence, is a parent liaison at the non-profit organization Thrive.  “I develop positive relationships with parents and act as a liaison between the school and parents at two Bozeman elementary schools: developing enhanced parent/school communications, increasing opportunities for parents to participate as partners with the schools, and assisting parents in connecting with community resources,” she explains. 

Heidi says that her SLU education “opened my eyes to new ways to ‘go forth and serve’ the world.  My semester in India made me eager to get out in the world and DO something.”  Heidi coached cross country and track and field programs at the local high school, then, took a job at a private boarding school where she was built new social and emotional development programs, a successful the track team, and a spiritual development curriculum.  “SLU taught me to try new things, to branch out and be creative in the gaps where traditional education falls short,” she explains.

“I love that SLU is a community deeply committed and invested in learning and growth,” she says.  I love that it is in a small town with a huge heart.  I love that SLU is a place where students can make things happen - it is an environment where if you have an interesting idea EVERYONE will cheer you on in pursuing it.  And of course I love that St Lawrence alums have some tell-tale qualities: we are hearty, energetic, adventurous and dedicated to keeping in touch and cheering one another on in the pursuit of our dreams,” she says.