Heather Raines is CARES’ Apprenticeship and Capacity ConsultantNow, as a capacity building consultant for CARES, Heather works to help in developing the Learning Launchpad. Her days consist of collaborating with the team to help shape the initiative’s vision, goals, and long-term impact, developing education and training programs in partnership with community and technical colleges, designing an apprenticeship program, and outlining clear career pathways for future autism service providers in West Virginia.

A daughter, wife, and mom, Heather’s the kind of woman whose purse holds goldfish crackers, business plans, and a roll of duct tape – even though she only lasted one year as a Girl Scout. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Charleston and an MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her career spans public service, higher education, and nonprofit leadership, where she has led statewide workforce initiatives and built strategic partnerships to align education and training with industry needs.

As co-owner of H&S Consulting, Heather helps small businesses, nonprofits, and international companies develop solutions, manage projects, and establish operations in the United States. She also serves as a Business Advisor for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and teaches as an adjunct faculty member at BridgeValley Community and Technical College and the University of Charleston.