Feel the Beat Team Member Spotlight: Heather Hapke

Heather Hapke is a Colorado Native who was raised in the Deaf community, and used sign language to communicate with her family because her father, sister, aunt, uncle and cousins are all deaf. She was the Middle and High School Transition Teacher at Rocky Mountain Deaf School from 2017-2024 and currently works as the Learning Specialist at the same small private school her kids attend.

Tell us about your role at Feel the Beat. How long have you been at Feel the Beat and what drew you to the organization?

In the Fall of 2017, Heather started a Dance Club for middle and high school students at Rocky Mountain Deaf School and invited Jari, from Feel the Beat to come present after the students performed their own choreographed dance for family and friends at the end of the quarter. Afterwards, Heather became involved with Feel the Beat, both teaching and serving on the Board because she wants to join the cause that is helping deaf community members of all ages explore their passion for dance with a one of a kind studio. She has been teaching with Feel the Beat on and off since 2018, taking a short break from 2019-2022 to stay home with her babies.

Her favorite part of teaching with Feel the Beat is not only the ability to dance and sign at the same time but also that every class brings new purpose for her students. They embrace new challenges, love performing in front of an audience, and have formed deep friendships with everyone in the class that keeps them coming back each week wanting more.

Come join her on Saturdays!

What is your personal mission statement and what about that mission statement resonates with you most?

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

This verse encapsulates so many things about who I am and what I believe. I see people around me for who they are and find their authenticity about what they can and cannot do to be one of the most powerful things they can bring to any community they are a part of. Myself included. I believe that we were not meant to hide our weaknesses or our differences, but to embrace them fully so that others around us can become more empathetic, kind individuals.

Is there a person in your life you credit as being a key to what motivates or inspires you on a daily basis? How have they impacted your life both personally and professionally?

My Dad, Mike Ellis. He was a prominent member in the Colorado Deaf community until he quietly retired shortly after COVID to spend time with my mom, his wife of 40 years, his kids, and grandkids. He’s well known for being the kind of man who will drop anything to come help, fix, or just listen. He’s a world class host because he thinks of everything, always comes prepared, brings the best snacks, and genuinely cares about everyone in the room. He’s the reason I went to college to study Deaf Education, immersed myself in the community, and strive to leave the world better than I found it.

Tell us about a recent experience you’ve had in your role at Feel the Beat – something funny, inspiring, challenging, etc.

Since I started at Charles Whitlock recreation center, I’ve had one particular student who has been a puzzle. She has come along way in terms of her ability to participate and advocate for herself. Last weekend, I tried an elevator game where I played a series of sound effects and she came to me asking if we could play a song and then another sound effect. This is a student who communicates very little and often secludes herself whenever possible. I was so impressed with her advocacy skills and the fact that she could handle a change in routine. I credit the fact that she feels comfortable in this space and with us after so many years together.

Outside of dancing at Feel the Beat, what do you like to do for fun?

Go hiking with my husband and kids. We recently learned how to play pickle ball. That has been fun too!