Heidi’s involvement with the world of non-profits, charity and community work began in Tokyo, when she was awaiting the birth of her first child. With business experience acquired at a New York investment firm, and her natural enthusiasm, she brings determination and focus to supporting worthwhile causes. She and her husband Jonathan, who was working in Tokyo as an investment banker, brought their family back to the United States shortly after their second daughter, Hannah, was born prematurely.

Settling in California, Heidi was soon involved with her new community, becoming a member of the board of the Palisades Junior Women’s Group, which raises money for local charities, and engaging with various activities and fundraising for her older daughter’s school.  For little Hannah, Heidi organized a team of ten therapists to address developmental problems thought to have resulted from her early birth. She researched Hannah’s challenges, such as dyspraxia, put together an intensive intervention program, coordinated schedules and team meetings with her small army of therapists.

But shortly after Hannah’s third birthday, the cause of the little girl’s difficulties was reassessed: she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome. Shocked, grief-stricken, Heidi threw herself into searching for information on the disorder. She found the RSRT website the very day it launched online, and immediately wanted to be involved. Within weeks she and Jonathan met with Monica Coenraads, RSRT’s co-founder and Executive Director, to see how they could help.

Heidi graduated from UCLA with a degree in English Literature. She lives in Los Angeles with Jonathan, President of Hackman Capital Partners and their daughters.  The Epsteins are passionate about the goals of the Trust, and committed to supporting RSRT’s research agenda.