ALUMNI PROFILE: Heather Marks Palmer, '83

Over Columbus Day weekend I had opportunity to visit with two alumni in Vermont, Patricia Burns Richardson, '58 and Heather Palmer Marks, '83. I love speaking with alumni as our conversations let me experience Park vicariously and give me insight into how our school has helped shape lives, and I very much enjoyed my time with both Pat and Heather.

In speaking with Heather, I was particularly struck by the fact that Park seemed like it was absolutely the "right" fit for her. Heather, who is dyslexic, came to Park as a lower school student. She found, she said, a community that was "mindful and kind." Not all students may need a school that concentrates its efforts on individualized instruction and attempts to conform to their specific learning style or needs, but for those who do a school like Park can make all the difference.

HEATHER MARKS PALMER, '83

Heather is now the president of Creative Pages, a graphic design and print production firm based in Stowe, with core clients in the national textbook and educational resources market. In response to an expanding business, Heather recently designed and constructed an environmentally friendly building that houses her studio. This expansion drew accolades from the local community, including a visit from the governor of Vermont. Despite the economic downturn Heather has just hired an additional five employees and is beginning to diversify her clientele.

CREATIVE PAGES Inc.

Current students might be interested to know that Heather did not find her design career until after she graduated from Boston University with a degree in International Relations. Like so many things in life, her current position is the result of circumstance -- a chance visit with some friends in Vermont, a friendship with someone in the publishing industry, and a feel for the work -- coupled with a foundation that provided her with the confidence, ability, and drive to succeed.

SOME OF HEATHER'S WORK