A Word With…. Heather Yee

A Word With… features those who work in the Wyoming community, but who may not necessarily live in Wyoming. This month we caught up with Heather Yee, Wyoming’s newest Board of Education Member (for now!) and local Dance Instructor. Meet Heather and learn what keeps her moving… we think you will have a hard time not tapping your toes to her answers.

Heather Yee was elected to the Wyoming Board of Education in January, and she is a local Dance Instructor at the Wyoming Fine Arts Center and Beyond the Barre.

Name:  Heather Yee

Title:   Board of Education Member and Dance Instructor

Job Description:   As a Wyoming Board of Education member, we oversee the management of the district, including hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer. We also serve as financial stewards of the district as well as work to effectively communicate with the community. 

As a dance instructor, I am able to teach a variety of styles in my adult class at the Fine Arts Center. I also teach jazz to kids through Beyond the Barre. I love to help people feel confident in their ability to move and be creative, no matter what their level of dance background.  

Years (or months!) in this position: I joined the Board of Education in January 2018 and I have been teaching dance for the past 17 years.  

What was your path leading to your current career in Wyoming?  My path has been a bit winding. I have been a dancer since I was young and was able to find a position teaching jazz to children as a second job while I was supporting adults with developmental disabilities as my main career. My background in teaching and human services led me to want to be more involved with our schools once I had my own children and personal experiences with the district. I have found myself in jobs which have continually been focused on service to others. I now have a wonderful mix in my life that suits both my dance and education background.

What is the best book you have read this year?  “Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.”

  

What is your favorite movie?  “Favorites are tough for me. Some of my top movies are: Singing in the Rain, The Princess Bride, and To Kill a Mockingbird.

What was your favorite subject(s) when you were in school?  “My favorite classes were English, Sign Language, and Photography.”

Who was your favorite teacher and why?  “My second grade teacher, Mrs. Thompson.  She was driven by kindness and love while inspiring us to be our best selves. She was encouraging and found creative ways to teach us.”

  

If you lived in a crayon box, what color would you be and why?  “I would be turquoise - to me it is both joyous and bold.”

Who is your favorite artist?   “I love impressionists.” 

Favorite musician?  “Too many to list!”

What is your hidden talent?  “My daughter tells me that I don’t have any hidden talents because I talk too much and tell everyone all the things.”

What is the best play or musical you have ever seen live? “Les Miserables because of the entire experience with my family.”

If you could invite one person from history to a dinner party, who would you choose? “I can’t commit to one, but two would be Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr.”

What is your guilty pleasure to binge watch on television?  “Lately it’s Veep.”

Who is the best superhero of all time?  “Wonder Woman.”

What song do you dance to any time it is playing?  “September by Earth, Wind, and Fire!”