Hola, me llamo Beth!

Beth Heap recently celebrated her sixth anniversary at Travois as communications director. She enjoys a lot of variety in her position and works on projects that involve writing, editing, photography and graphic design like news articles, blog posts and more. Beth has worked on everything from large projects like laying out a 100-page book and helping plan our annual conference to smaller projects like designing the coasters that we use around the office.

Here’s an interview with Beth:

1. What education and/or certifications do you have? I have Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and Spanish. My Spanish is pretty rusty nowadays (I used to dream in Spanish), but I am planning on joining a group to start practicing again. I also received a certificate in digital desktop publishing (or graphic design) from the Kansas City Art Institute. I love art and design classes!

2. What attracted you to Travois? The end result of each of our clients’ projects – whether it’s a new home for a family or access to health care or another service that wasn’t available – makes my heart happy. I believe everyone should have access to safe, decent and affordable housing and the services they need to be healthy and happy.

3. What places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting and why? I have been very fortunate to join a photographer to visit two tribes in Washington state — the Tulalip Tribes and the Quinault Indian Nation — to photograph families who live in our clients’ Low Income Housing Tax Credit projects. I got to see beautiful homes, meet some wonderful families who were enjoying their new homes and see some amazing scenery. I’ve also had the pleasure of helping to execute our annual conferences at fantastic tribal venues like the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, Tulalip Resort Casino and Pascua Yaqui’s Casino Del Sol.

4. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you? I greatly admire our clients and all that they are doing to improve housing conditions on their reservations and make a difference for their fellow tribal members. I also admire my colleagues here at Travois – they are bright, hard working and passionate. They really care.

5. What did you want to be as a kid? I wanted to be a veterinarian. Unfortunately, I hated high school biology class (especially dissecting animals – ew!) and have a pretty weak stomach, so it wasn’t meant to be.

6. Do you have a hidden talent? A friend of mine jokes that I have “robot strength” because I’m tougher than I look. I grew up as the only girl in my family, and I played a lot of sports. Now I use my robot strength to carry around my 3- and 1-year-old daughters (at the same time).

7. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? I have a 7-year-old labrador mix named Murphy. He was a stray, and I couldn’t say no. He is a very sweet creature.

8. What is your favorite meal? I adore pizza, especially with lots of sauce and a thick crust that is a little doughy. What is your favorite local restaurant? I love LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Waldo Pizza and barbeque places like Oklahoma Joe’s.

9. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be? Like Tom Hanks’ character in the movie “Castaway,” I’d want a photo of my loved ones so I’d never lose hope.

10. What talent do you wish you had? I wish I didn’t need sleep!

11. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I like to read, exercise, get outside, hear my daughters laugh, travel, ride roller coasters, explore Kansas City, try new restaurants, grow flowers in my yard and spend time with friends and family.

12. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? This isn’t my absolute favorite thing to do, but my two brothers and I take my daughters to an amusement park called Worlds of Fun every year. I love roller coasters, and the people-watching is priceless!

13. What is your favorite TV show and movie? Right now, I’m a big fan of the TV shows “The Walking Dead” (even though it gives me nightmares) and “Downton Abbey.” My all-time favorite movie is “The Goonies.” I doubt anyone else remembers the movie “Out of Sight,” but it’s one of my favorites (George Clooney’s in it!).