Heather Pardo is an education and mental health leader and consultant with nearly two decades of experience building systems that help students, educators, and school communities thrive. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Student Support Services at IDEA Public Schools, leading initiatives in student persistence, mental health, school culture, family engagement, and crisis prevention and response across a multistate network. She currently serves as Executive Director of the McAllen Education Foundation, supporting grants that empower teachers to implement innovative classroom programs, and is the founder of HSP Consulting Group. Through HSP Consulting Group, she helps schools nationwide develop systems, services, and environments that strengthen relationships with students and families, support continued enrollment & persistence, and ensure students have access to the care and support they need. Heather brings a practical, people-centered, strengths-based approach to leadership development, grounded in the belief that strong relationships and clear systems create lasting impact.