Alina Heim

Alina Heim, Tennessee, a runner, researcher, and behavioral health advocate, is driven by connection and purpose. As a doctoral candidate in Special Education, she focuses on improving collaboration between educators and families in rural settings. Her research took center stage at the 2024 ACRES Conference, where she shared insights on equitable access to support services. Alina’s professional journey includes working internationally in the UAE and launching alinaheimaba.com, a behavioral health practice for adults navigating life changes. In her personal life, she fuels her passion for movement through local runs, including the Chattanooga Marathon and various seasonal races. Deeply committed to survivor advocacy, she runs a domestic violence support group, empowering individuals through evidence-based healing. A lifelong animal lover, Alina has rescued dogs from shelters in New York and actively promotes animal adoption. She also connects ABA professionals through a book club and promotes solo travel safety for women online.