CLARE J. HEFFERREN WELCOMED AS SACRED CYCLE’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AS THEY LOOK TO EXPAND

New Executive Director Will Continue to Help Heal the Hearts and Souls of Sexual Assault and Abuse Victims, One Ride at a Time!

VAIL, CO – November 1, 2019 – As staggering as it sounds, The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network states that every 73 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S. The CDC also says that 1 in 3 women experience sexual violence and the ramifications can last a lifetime. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, experience re-occurring gynecological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and sexual health problems for decades after the traumatic event occurred.

A survivor herself, Heather Russell, LPC, found healing through mountain biking by reconnecting with her body in a powerful way that therapy alone couldn’t offer. The mind-body healing experience was what she needed to move forward in her life, and in 2013 she founded Sacred Cycle to empower sexually abused and assaulted survivors by providing a safe community to support their healing. Through a combination of therapy and wilderness therapy, clients discover and breakthrough barriers to become more confident in their personal recovery journey. Survivors become an empowering force to help other survivors through this healing cycle.

“Biking gives participants a positive reconnection with their bodies, bringing themselves back into themselves at the moment, to be more present while nature gives the space necessary to calm the mind and process emotions, says Russell. “Riders feel physically strong and capable of handling challenges, and it releases hormones that not only feel good but train the brain to orient towards positivity. Additionally, the challenge of mountain biking in a supportive group setting empowers the participants on their path to healing.”

Over the past six years, Russell has devoted her life to helping other sexually abused and assaulted survivors.  The six-month curriculum she developed has helped hundreds in Colorado; however, sexual violence is a national issue and it’s time to look to expand programming to additional regions, raise awareness and build community support to reduce the stigma and statistics of sexual abuse. 

The new Executive Director, Clare J. Hefferren, has proven success in understanding the brand life cycle when launching brands in the outdoor and mountain lifestyle industries. With over 25 years of experience, her messages create a genuine connection between the consumer and the product resulting in strong sales and brand loyalty. Hefferren began volunteering with Sacred Cycle in May 2018 and she joined the board of directors a year later.   

“It’s such an honor to build upon what Heather has created.  Her vision and dedication have positioned Sacred Cycle to make a larger impact in Colorado and beyond,” says Hefferren. “My unique professional expertise combined with my commitment to volunteering in the name of empowering women and my deep passion for exploring nature will allow me to further the vision of Sacred Cycle and build awareness of our mission so others may heal.” Russell will remain on the Board of Directors and will have an active role in the growth of Sacred Cycle with press events, strategic partnerships, and client relations. 

Sexual violence is a serious public health problem in the United States and impacts every community regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic class, geography or religion. More programs are needed to help survivors and Sacred Cycle is looking to answer the call. By offering an opportunity to increase emotional tolerance through healthy risk-taking in nature and sport, Sacred Cycle hopes survivors can heal and help others ready to move from merely just surviving their lives to thriving.

About Sacred Cycle

Sacred Cycle was founded somewhere high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in 2013 as a 501 c 3 corporation. Founder, Heather Russell, had the idea to combine the benefits of cycling with other healing modalities to help treat the complexities of sexual trauma and the subsequent side-effects that ensue. Sacred Cycle strives to offer hope and healing to people affected by devastating and life-changing acts of violence.

For more information, visit: https://thesacredcycle.org/

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