Heather Max: Spending Time with Her Two Families Matters Most

January 23, 2024

Over 13 years ago, Heather Max discovered an opening for a residential program secretary at Spaulding Academy & Family Services. Heather always had an interest in special education, even using her high school study hall to volunteer in the special education classroom. As she read through the job posting, Spaulding’s mission resonated with her, and she decided to apply for the position. And just like that, Heather became part of our Spaulding family!

Heather’s position has evolved over the years and her title is now Administrative Assistant Coordinator for the residential program. In this role, she supports the residential leadership team, coordinates the Special Olympics program, and so much more. Occasionally, she will even pick up overnight shifts in the residential cottages because she really just enjoys hanging out with the kids.

She shares, “After starting in November 2011, I experienced my very first multicultural event. Watching kids perform during the event, hearing staff talk about kids, and seeing kids receiving academic awards all reinforced just how special this place was and the great work we do. I’ve continued to experience similar inspirational events and happenings on campus over the years, and of course, there are so many success stories year after year. I love the family I have grown to have here at Spaulding.”

Heather’s time has always circled around her own family – her husband and three daughters. When her kids were younger, they learned all about the children that Spaulding helps and the importance of what mom did at work every day. Her daughters enjoyed attending the annual Spaulding Campus Day and loved volunteering in the annual haunted house. These days, her oldest daughter is currently pursuing a college degree in Human Development and Family Services with a minor in social work – carrying on Heather’s work! Heather’s middle daughter lives in Puerto Rico while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Although she loves to hike and travel, the past year has been a challenge as Heather has endured chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation, and immunotherapy to battle breast cancer. Treatments will end in mid-April, and she looks forward to being able to travel again and celebrate being cancer free! Heather has another milestone to look forward to this spring. This school year marks Heather’s third year as the Winnisquam High School Assistant Softball Coach. Her recent diagnosis has inspired her to be more than just a good role model for her daughters as well as the Winnisquam softball team. She has adopted a more active role to advocate for the importance of self-care and mammograms for these young athletes including her youngest daughter who is a junior at Winnisquam High School, and a member of the Volleyball, Unified Basketball and Softball teams.

She shares about her Spaulding family, “Spaulding has been amazing through this whole thing. I honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more from an employer.”