Hi! My name is Heather Stewart
Speaker, Artist, Burn Survivor
A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, and Healing Through Storytelling
“Your story could become someone else’s survival guide.”
It has been over 55 years since Heather Stewart’s life changed in an instant. At just nine years old, an ordinary summer evening turned into an unimaginable challenge when a backyard fire exploded, leaving her with extensive third-degree burns covering 60% of her body. In that moment, her world shifted—but her spirit never wavered.
Today, Heather is a keynote speaker, educator, artist, and advocate for resilience and empowerment. She has taken her experiences—the pain, the healing, and the growth—and turned them into a powerful message that inspires individuals, professionals, and communities.
The Journey: From Survival to Thriving
Heather’s road to recovery was long and uncertain. She spent nearly two years in the burns unit, undergoing countless skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. Through every moment of pain and challenge, one thing remained constant—her determination to live fully.
“I was quite a determined child, and I didn’t see that wallowing was ever going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to be like everyone else.”
That mindset shaped her future. Years later, she discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a personal healing tool, but as a way to help others overcome their own challenges.
Finding Purpose: From Teaching to Keynote Speaking
Heather’s road to recovery was long and uncertain. She spent nearly two years in the burns unit, undergoing countless skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. Through ev
Heather’s journey led her to teaching, where she discovered her ability to connect with children through her story. Working as a relief teacher across New Zealand, she found that openly sharing her experience helped students develop empathy, kindness, and understanding.
“Every time I go into a class, I get to tell my story, and it teaches them a lot about resilience and accepting people with differences.”
Her passion for helping others didn’t stop in the classroom. As a long-standing member and past president of the Burn Support Group Charitable Trust, Heather has supported burn survivors, educators, healthcare professionals, and corporate audiences by sharing her insights on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the healing power of storytelling.
Her impact has reached far beyond individual talks:
✔️ Her story has been featured in TV documentaries, magazines, and national media.
✔️ She has spoken on Breakfast TV alongside fellow burn survivors.
✔️ She has helped reintroduce child burn survivors into school life, preparing their classmates to welcome them with kindness and empathy.ery moment of pain and challenge, one thing remained constant—her determination to live fully.
“I was quite a determined child, and I didn’t see that wallowing was ever going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to be like everyone else.”
That mindset shaped her future. Years later, she discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a personal healing tool, but as a way to help others overcome their own challenges.
Heather’s Message: Empowerment Through Storytelling & Choice
Heather’s road to recovery was long and uncertain. She spent nearly two years in the burns unit, undergoing countless skin grafts and reconstru
Heather believes that resilience is not about avoiding pain—it’s about choosing to grow through it. She encourages people to take control of their narrative, embrace their scars—both seen and unseen—and step into their power.
“You can’t always choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you respond.”
Whether speaking to health professionals, educators, corporate leaders, or individuals looking for inspiration, Heather’s keynotes are filled with warmth, humor, and deeply personal insights that resonate with anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges.
Her mission?
✔️ To help people challenge the stories holding them back.
✔️ To promote resilience and self-empowerment.
✔️ To remind people that even the hardest journeys can lead to something beautiful.ctive surgeries. Through every moment of pain and challenge, one thing remained constant—her determination to live fully.
“I was quite a determined child, and I didn’t see that wallowing was ever going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to be like everyone else.”
That mindset shaped her future. Years later, she discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a personal healing tool, but as a way to help others overcome their own challenges.
Beyond Speaking: Creativity & Advocacy
Heather’s road to recovery was long and uncertain. She spent nearly two years in the burns unit, undergoing countless skin grafts and reconstru
Outside of speaking, Heather channels her creativity into art and crafting. From card-making and pastel painting to quilting, she has learned that self-expression is a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Her artwork, much like her story, reflects transformation, hope, and strength—a reminder that even life’s hardest moments can be reworked into something meaningful.Heather believes that resilience is not about avoiding pain—it’s about choosing to grow through it. She encourages people to take control of their narrative, embrace their scars—both seen and unseen—and step into their power.
“You can’t always choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you respond.”
Whether speaking to health professionals, educators, corporate leaders, or individuals looking for inspiration, Heather’s keynotes are filled with warmth, humor, and deeply personal insights that resonate with anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges.
Her mission?
✔️ To help people challenge the stories holding them back.
✔️ To promote resilience and self-empowerment.
✔️ To remind people that even the hardest journeys can lead to something beautiful.ctive surgeries. Through every moment of pain and challenge, one thing remained constant—her determination to live fully.
“I was quite a determined child, and I didn’t see that wallowing was ever going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to be like everyone else.”
That mindset shaped her future. Years later, she discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a personal healing tool, but as a way to help others overcome their own challenges.
Beyond Speaking: Creativity & Advocacy
Heather’s road to recovery was long and uncertain. She spent nearly two years in the burns unit, undergoing countless skin grafts and reconstru
Outside of speaking, Heather channels her creativity into art and crafting. From card-making and pastel painting to quilting, she has learned that self-expression is a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Her artwork, much like her story, reflects transformation, hope, and strength—a reminder that even life’s hardest moments can be reworked into something meaningful.Heather believes that resilience is not about avoiding pain—it’s about choosing to grow through it. She encourages people to take control of their narrative, embrace their scars—both seen and unseen—and step into their power.
“You can’t always choose what happens to you, but you can always choose how you respond.”
Whether speaking to health professionals, educators, corporate leaders, or individuals looking for inspiration, Heather’s keynotes are filled with warmth, humor, and deeply personal insights that resonate with anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges.
Her mission?
✔️ To help people challenge the stories holding them back.
✔️ To promote resilience and self-empowerment.
✔️ To remind people that even the hardest journeys can lead to something beautiful.ctive surgeries. Through every moment of pain and challenge, one thing remained constant—her determination to live fully.
“I was quite a determined child, and I didn’t see that wallowing was ever going to get me anywhere. I just wanted to be like everyone else.”
That mindset shaped her future. Years later, she discovered the power of storytelling—not just as a personal healing tool, but as a way to help others overcome their own challenges.
Let’s Connect
Heather is available for keynote speaking engagements, panel discussions, workshops, and collaborations.
📩 Book Heather for Your Event
🌍 Explore Her Story
🖼️ Discover Her Artwork (Coming Soon in 2025!)
💬 “Your scars—physical or emotional—are part of you. Wear them with pride, because they tell a story of survival, resilience, and growth.”
