Heidi Thorsen

Heidi Thorsen believes that everyone has a story worth telling, and she has dedicated the past ten years
to helping people discover and share those stories. She guides individuals through the
meaningful process of writing their life stories, creating welcoming spaces where memories
come alive and personal connections deepen.
Her work with memoir writing draws on more than four decades of experience in elementary
education, where she served as both a classroom teacher and curriculum developer. This
educational background gives her insight into how people learn best and helps her create
environments where participants feel comfortable exploring their most significant memories and
experiences.
Heidi brings professional expertise to her memoir facilitation as an instructor trainer for the
guided autobiography certification program and as a member of the Birren Center board of
directors. Through these roles, she continues to shape how guided autobiography reaches
people around the world and helps train new facilitators in this powerful practice.
She has led memoir workshops and retreats in various settings, from intimate home gatherings
to international programs. Her approach focuses on building trust and creating safe spaces
where participants can reflect on their journeys and find new meaning in their experiences. Heidi
looks forward to co-facilitating the upcoming memoir retreat in Sayulita, Mexico, alongside
Heather and Cheryl.