Dr. Laura Heintz
Chief Executive Officer

Leader Profile
Picture of Dr. Laura Heintz Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Laura Heintz is the Chief Executive Officer of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Heintz has worked tirelessly to help nonprofit health and human service organizations grow and expand their ability to serve children and families.

Over the years, Dr. Heintz has served a variety of programs with a focus on implementing services that meet the needs of young people and their families. She started her years of service in the field as an in-home behavioral support counselor, became a social worker, and developed several new programs. Now she is CEO of Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYF).

Laura’s professional accomplishments include having been a contributing author for the textbook Assessing and Treating Youth Exposed to Traumatic Stress - Stanford University – 2019, being selected as a recipient of the Sacramento Business Journal Women Who Mean Business award in 2019, and being founder of the Yolo Crisis Nursery in 2001.

A native Sacramentan, Dr. Heintz holds a Doctorate in Psychology, a Masters in Holistic Studies and a double BA in Human Development and Psychology. She is also a Certified Executive Coach. 

When asked why she is passionate about the mission of SSYF, Laura responded, “My work is my life calling. I am committed to my core in ensuring that those we serve know that they belong. We preserve family whenever possible. We support families in their healing. We support youth who need family by finding and engaging people who can be their lifelong connections.”

When Laura is not at work she can be found volunteering in the community, working on her home, and spending time with her children. Whenever possible, Laura likes to be outside and can frequently be found gardening, walking near the ocean, or simply sitting outside and watching the the hens in her chicken coop interact.