Heather Shepherd is an Assistant Professor in the School of Occupational Therapy at Western University. She is an occupational therapist and implementation scientist. Her research program aims to partner with school partners, including adolescents, parents/guardians, and educators, to co-design implement, and evaluate the Return to School Framework. The Return to School Framework encompasses a bundle of strategies, including a policy, a protocol, and a novel peer support ‘Buddy Program’, to support adolescents to return to school following a concussion. Heather completed her BScH and MScOT at Queen’s University, her PhD in Kinesiology with a Specialization in Rehabilitation from University of Calgary, and her postdoctoral fellowship in Occupational Therapy at University of Toronto. Her personal experience with concussions has led Heather to pursue a clinical and research career in adolescent concussion. Outside of academia, Heather enjoys trail running, multi-day backpacking trips, and cozying up with a good book.