Heather Sutton head shot

Heather Sutton, LPC, ACS, R-DMT

Core Assistant Professor, Chair, Somatic Counseling

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Somatic Counseling and Dance/Movement Theories & Practice Concentrations

EDUCATION:

BA Special Physical Education and Motor Development, Bridgewater State College; Somatic Counseling Psychology: Dance/Movement Theories & Practice, Naropa University

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

COURSES TAUGHT:

Current Methods and Skills in Psychotherapy, Applied Anatomy and Neuroscience, Internship Seminar I and II Body Psychotherapy Concentration

Heather Sutton, LPC, ACS, R-DMT, is a Core Candidate Assistant Professor for the Somatic Counseling concentrations at Naropa University. Prior to becoming a Core Candidate, Heather held both Adjunct Faculty and more recently Visiting Instructor roles in the department and has been teaching at Naropa since 2005. Heather has 20 years of clinical experience, specializing in behavioral health evaluation, crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment. In addition to her work with Naropa, Heather began working with Ballet Nouveau Colorado (now Colorado Conservatory of Dance) in 2011 as an adaptive movement specialist and has been central to the creation of their adaptive dance program Dance Expressions. Shortly after, she became involved with Wonderbound on the development and implementation of Pari Passu, an outreach program in collaboration with St. Francis Center. Heather is now Wonderbound’s Project Manager for its collaboration with WellPower (formerly the Mental Health Corporation of Denver). Titled WonderWell, this program provides weekly dance sessions to underserved children, families, and individuals with disabilities.

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.