New Staff Spotlight: Heather Pica

Welcome - Please tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m a lifelong El Dorado County local—born and raised right here. I spent a few years in Sacramento for college and then a few years in Folsom, but eventually my husband and I settled into our home up in the hills of Placerville.

I love being outdoors, especially in my vegetable garden. I mostly grow tomatoes and pumpkins, and experiment with other crops here and there. I have yet to grow a successful winter crop, so if you have had success, please share your secrets! In 2024, I became a UC Master Gardener of El Dorado County, and I’m excited to keep learning more about home gardening and sharing research-based tips with the community.

Fall is my favorite season, and Halloween is hands-down my favorite holiday. Both sides of the family get involved with costumes, acting, and we almost always build a haunted house. It’s the perfect way to kick off the best time of the year!

What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?

Before joining Hands4Hope, I spent over eight years with the State of California, most recently working in Human Resources at the Department of Justice and before that, at the California State Teachers Retirement System where I conducted applied and survey research. I earned a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which is a fancy way of saying I like to study workplace dynamics and crunch numbers. Earlier in my career, I worked as a recruiter at a staffing agency in El Dorado County, where I enjoyed helping people find opportunities that fit their skills and goals.

What drew you to join the Hands4Hope staff?

When I was young, I felt full of hope, excitement, and endless possibilities for the future. I know today’s youth are growing up in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and uncertain. I decided I wanted to be a part of an effort that ensures the youth feel that same sense of possibility. That’s why I was drawn to Hands4Hope and its mission to empower youth through service-based experiences. When young people take part in their communities by planning meaningful projects, carry them out, and reflect upon the impact, they gain more than practical skills. They build empathy, confidence, and a sense of hope for the future.

The same principles that guide Hands4Hope’s work—connection, collaboration, and reflection—are also the foundation of my own professional experience. Throughout my career, I focused on building and nurturing relationships, always seeking common goals and developing strategies to achieve them collaboratively. I thrive on connecting with people, cultivating trust, and using data to guide meaningful decisions. As the Development Coordinator, I am excited to bring these strengths to fostering donor relationships and advancing Hands4Hope’s mission to equip and uplift the next generations.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I spend a lot of time in my garden in the early morning to beat the heat. In addition to the vegetable garden, I have over 20 different rose bushes that keep me busy. I love having fresh cut flowers in the house and enjoy making floral arrangements. This is just something I like to do for myself and I sometimes give them as gifts. Several other activities I spend my free time on are yoga and hiking.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know or are surprised to learn?

I learned to play ice hockey as an adult and played on a recreational team in Roseville for more than five years. My husband also plays and in 2019, we took a road trip to Penticton, BC, where we both participated in a draft ice hockey tournament. We got to play in this super old and unique wooden ice rink (AKA “barn” as they call them in Canada). It was an amazing experience we’ll never forget!