HEIDI BUTTERWORTH FANION ('94)

Board of Directors

Heidi Butterworth Fanion, MSW, LCSW graduated from Wheelock College in 1994 where she studied Human Development, Elementary Education, and Special Education and received a Bachelor of Science degree. Thereafter, Ms. Fanion attended the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College where she studied the clinical track of Health, Aging, and Disability and received her Master's of Social Work degree in 1996. 

Ms. Fanion is committed to advocating for change and making a difference in the lives of children and their families for the greater good.  She has worked full-time for over 20 years as the lead school social worker in the Warwick Public School System in Warwick Rhode Island.  There she is the sole proprietor of several programs including Heidi Helping Hands ~ The Giving Pantry, a fully stocked pantry comprising of basic hygiene products, and Heidi's Boutique, complete with prom dresses, formal wear, and accessories, all new with tags!  

Ms. Fanion has been involved in serving in many different capacities on the former Wheelock Alumni Board. She was the Regional Representative for Rhode Island, Grants Committee, Endowment Committee to name a few. Ms. Fanion is the recipient of the Lucy Wheelock Award and the Wheelock Community Service Award.  Ms. Fanion received the Robert S. Burgess Community Service Award from the National Association of Social Work- Rhode Island Chapter for her extensive volunteer work with the homeless and other groups.  

Ms. Fanion lives in Rhode Island with her husband Jason, her two children, and their Great Danes and African grey parrot.  She has been studying and excelling in American Sign Language for the past few years and plans on becoming an ASL interpreter to broaden her clinical work with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing.    Ms. Fanion is also a founding ambassador with Pure Haven.com/Heidi