Born in Massachusetts and relocated to Oklahoma at the age of three, Heather grew up in Mustang, where her family settled when she was five years old. She attended Mustang schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1993. Raised in a close-knit Oklahoma community, she credits those early years for shaping her strong work ethic, compassion, and commitment to caring for others.
“I don’t remember when I decided to be a nurse, Heather said. “It was sometime after my dream of being an astronaut subsided when I was in fifth grade,” she laughed. “I just remember always feeling like I needed to help people. That sense of purpose has guided me through my entire career.”
“I chose nursing because I care deeply about people and want to make a real difference in their lives,” she said. “It gives me purpose, stability, and the opportunity to grow professionally while helping others during their most vulnerable moments.”
Heather earned her LPN from Platt College in 2010 and later returned to school to complete her RN in 2014. She began her nursing career working in a locked memory care unit, an experience that deeply influenced her perspective and practice. “Working there, it helped me develop patience and a strong respect for residents living with dementia,” she said. “That time taught me how important compassion and understanding are, especially when patients can’t always express what they need.”
Over the years, Heather has worked in several long-term care facilities providing skilled nursing services, steadily strengthening her clinical knowledge and leadership abilities. Today, she serves as director of nursing at The Lakes, where she has worked for the past year.
In her leadership role, she supervises approximately 18 nurses with the support of four department heads and helps care for a community of around 80 residents. The facility offers private rooms for skilled residents and those requiring a higher level of care.
For Heather, leadership is not just about managing operations, it’s about supporting people. “I think patience is probably my strongest quality,” she said. “Not only with residents, but also with staff. I enjoy helping others succeed, educating staff, and learning new things myself. I believe three essential qualities every nurse should possess are patience, the ability not to take things personally, and confidence,” she said. “Nursing can be emotionally demanding, and it’s important to stay grounded and focused on the bigger picture,” she added.
Heather also knows the importance of self-care for nurses to make time for themselves. It is important in order to continue providing quality care for others, she said. “If we don’t take care of ourselves, it becomes harder for us to take care of our patients.”
In addition to Heather’s role at The Lakes, Heather works part-time for a hospice company in Oklahoma, an experience she finds especially meaningful. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Being able to provide comfort and support to patients and families during such an important time is something I truly value.”
Heather’s motivation remains simple and heartfelt. “What motivates me is the hope that I can make a difference in the world, even if it’s just one person whose life I made better,” she commented.
Outside of work, Heather’s life centers around family. She is married and has adult children and an adult stepson. Two of her children followed in her footsteps and became LPNs. She is also the proud grandmother of seven and enjoys spending time with them whenever she can. Family, faith and a commitment to service continues to shape her both personally and professionally.
Through years of experience and dedication, Heather has developed a leadership style grounded in empathy, teamwork and education. She believes that strong nursing teams are built through encouragement and communication, and a shared sense of purpose.
At The Lakes, Heather strives to create an environment where both residents and staff feel supported, respected, and valued. “Nursing is always evolving,” Heather commented. “There is always something new to learn, and that’s what makes this career so meaningful. The heart of nursing has never changed. It is about showing up, caring and making a difference, one patient, one family, and one moment at a time.”
With steady leadership and a servant’s heart, Heather Moxley continues to shape lives at The Lakes, providing that true nursing excellence begins with compassion, patience, and purpose.
