Heather Noel

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Heather’s story and life experiences have cultivated a deep passion to stand in the gap for vulnerable children. As the one with the role of sharing the message and ministry of this organization, her role comes from a very personal place, to give voice to those whose path she has walked.

With a desire to help strengthen families and advocate for hurting children, Heather returned to college when her children began elementary school, completing her degree in Psychology and Christian Counseling with an emphasis in child and adolescent development. Heather and her husband, Tim, married in 1999 and three years later surrendered to God’s call to ministry. During their time serving in student ministry, they brought their students to serve at the Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children campus. The awareness stirred in Heather, Tim, and their kids, through those experiences of volunteering at the Monticello campus for children in foster care, along with her own story and education, would eventually be the catalyst for her family to become a foster family. It has been incredible to see each of their children develop a passion for vulnerable children because of their time as a foster family.

During their days as newlyweds, before starting their family, Heather was on staff at their church as the graphic designer and continued to use the skillset over the years to serve the churches where Tim pastored. After welcoming children into their home as a foster family for 3 years, Heather had plans to continue her education in Counseling. But God had other plans. Shortly after the last child placed in their home was reunified with biological family, Heather was asked to join the ABCFM to help expand Connected Foster Care as a caseworker. Her role as a caseworker would eventually lead her to serve as the Director of Communications, where each of her life experiences have come together to equip her for this role. After almost 20 years in church ministry, Heather’s husband Tim joined the ABCFM leadership as Director of Church Partnership. Together, they are sharing in the ministry that they are most passionate about- serving children and families.

Heather and Tim have three children; their oldest is serving in the US Navy, their daughter is completing her undergrad and graduate degrees in Social Work at ASU and their youngest recently graduated high school. They are enjoying this new season of empty nest and parents of adult kids. Heather enjoys hiking and being out in nature, reading, writing, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her passion is for the broken to find the help, healing, and hope they deserve.