About Us

Heather is a native of Nassau County having spent her entire childhood in Callahan, FL. Heather graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Sciences in Family, Youth and Community Sciences (social work) and earned her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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Heather is uniquely equipped to guide families in legacy planning. Her experiences range from social work with homeless families and children in foster care to military service around the world. As a social worker, Heather helped families and teens navigate out of crisis into stability. Heather brings a sense of calm in crisis, compassion, empathy, and a loving understanding that hope is always available.

 

As an Air Force attorney, Heather guided service members and their families in developing estate plans, navigating challenging family law issues, medical disability, guardianships, and domestic violence protections. Heather's work has moved her across the country and globe, giving her an appreciation for unique cultural expressions and diverse family backgrounds.

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Together, Heather and Tom live out their kingdom legacy by serving their family and community with their time, talents and treasures. They strive to be generous in all areas of life by volunteering with first through third grade students at their local church and giving to local and global non-profit organizations. Heather serves on the board of Charis Eating Disorder Care, a faith-based residential eating disorder treatment center in Yulee, Florida. As a family, they are teaching their kids about love and generosity by serving with Heather's parents, Dena and Gary Pate, who are missionaries in Montanita, Ecuador.

 

Heather believes that as God's creation, we all have a voice and future filled with hope and purpose. Heather strives to help individuals and families identify their calling and purpose toward future generations, to steward and protect that which they have been given, and at the end, to transfer their life's work purposefully and meaningfully. Heather runs the firm with her incredible husband, Tom. Together they have three beautiful children, live in Fernandina Beach, and attend First Baptist Fernandina Beach. 

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