Heather Doney graduated from Salmen in 2001 and from the University of New Orleans in 2006 with a double-major of English and political science, receiving University Honors and Departmental Honors in political science. During her college years Doney volunteered as a tutor and peer educator for UNO. In 2008 she joined YouthTruth, a nonprofit organization that serves the north shore through counseling, educational programs, and empowering those in need of mental health and/or substance abuse treatment services. Her role with YouthTruth involves data collection, grant writing, and working on administrative projects. Doney is also a member of AmeriCorps Vista, a national service program that provides nonprofit organizations with support in an effort to facilitate community improvement.