All of her life, Heather has exemplified discipline and devotion through competitive dance and music as she was very involved in her church and ballet. The dedicated pursuit of her dreams was rewarded with a scholarship to William Jewell College. In 2004, Heather graduated from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications. As she entered into the workforce, she combined her love of people and her generous giving spirit by taking active roles in the non-profit community with such well known organizations as the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Habitat for Humanity, the American Lung Association and The United Way. In her current employme0nt as Marketing Manager for Pat Riha Productions, she helps produce multiple consumer trade shows and the Kansas City Plaza Lighting Ceremony. Heather involves herself in her work in the way that she regards everything: with passion. These positions have been fulfilling to Heather, as she excels while engaging with the public, through many mediums, in many capacities. Whatever Heather commits herself to do, she does with 110% of her energy and talents.

In 2005, Heather married the man of her dreams, David Chatlos. Sharing her love to give and empower those around him, David is a dedicated teacher in the Liberty School District. The couple, with their puppies Libby and Turk currently reside in Kansas City, Missouri.

Positive Risk Taking/ Living in the Moment~Heather Chatlos
I’ve lived my life by one shining motto: “you regret the things you don’t do more than the things you do.” The message is simple, but often the application is not. Living life to its fullest sounds easy, but I have found that many people are intimidated by new opportunities and experiences. I passionately believe that people will never know how wonderful life can be unless they take advantage of each opportunity that presents itself. Conquering fear is the first step to living a worthwhile life.

~Living in the moment gives you the opportunity to create a life of beauty~

I've experienced true exhilaration through various experiences that I never would have known if I’d been wrapped up in fear or hesitation. I’ve been skydiving, racecar driving, and zip lined over a “cruise-ship” sized ravine. Professionally I’ve taken opportunities to perform (singing, dancing and speaking) in front of large audiences; which is one of America’s biggest fears. These were not things that I had trained for, but opportunities that came my way and have forever changed my life!

I want to encourage women to be proud of themselves and courageous enough to take positive risks such as participating in the Mrs. Missouri America Pageant. I know the weight that fears, insecurities, and unfulfilled dreams can have. I feel that believing in yourself enough to take risks and have new experiences is a major aspect of growing and gaining strength.

“My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” ~Oprah Winfrey
Life is made up of experiences. Good or bad, they all help us grow. But true happiness in life is often found by conquering fear and living life to the fullest. True happiness in life is taking advantage of its opportunities. This life can go by too quickly. Don’t let fear stop you from realizing your dreams. Take the chance; live in the moment.

I live this philosophy by supporting The Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Their purpose is supporting girls and women to be their personal best by funding organizations throughout Missouri. Please find more information about this amazing organization at http://wfgkc.org.

As a passionate speaker, I’m thrilled at the thought of representing this message as Mrs. Missouri 2008! It would be an honor to be chosen and dedicate myself to this amazing opportunity.

Thank you to my amazing Supporters and Sponsors:

Pat Riha Productions- www.patrihaproductions.com

Bobbie Stone Designs- Loretta B. Stone- Jewelry Designer - bobbiestone@global.net

Lindsay Bainter- Make-up Artist - l_bainter@yahoo.com -816-560-3454

Whitney Anderson- Professional Stylist- thebeautyqueen@tmail.com- 816-508-9638

Created By Shari- Jewelry Designer- silverwarelady2@yahoo.com-660-438-7344

Loyal Order of the Moose- Kansas City Lodge #10 Sugar Creek, MO-816-254-4309

Barkville Pet Boutique- (816) 587-1200 -6325 Lewis St., Ste. 106

Parkville, MO 64152 email- barkvillepets@sbcglobal.net- www.barkvillepets.com

Sterling Bowl-Sugar Creek, MO- 816-252-2111

Thank you: Dave Chatlos, Paul & Harriet Smock, Bill & Eunice Stober, Mark Montford, Nick Gustafson, The Gustafson Family, Carl & Melody Gustafson, Phyllis & Ken Chatlos, Rufus & Lavarn Hardin, Mattie Family, Makemson Family, Mark Swigart, Frank & Jane Stormer, Richard & Cheryl Anderson, Jean Babcock, Rosie Bailey, Aaron Burns, Ed & Sue Burr, The Chatlos Family, The Christopher Family, Eileen Crabtree, Gretchen Evans, Drey & Marie Froe, Kay Hogan, Gary & Sue Kemp, David Knauss, The Odneal Family, Bill & Marilyn Steveson, Ruth Trencher, Evelyn Chatlos, Robert Williams