My name is Heather Scirpoli and I’ve lived in Worcester County all my life and only recently moved to northeast Connecticut’s, quiet corner. I love being a New England girl and can’t ever imagine living anywhere but here. I welcomingly embrace all four of our seasons, but fall is my real time to shine! I am the proud mom of three really fantastic young ladies, Avery, Alyvia and Adysen, and am lucky in love with my sweetheart, Philly. Our family also includes a posh Texan ragdoll kitty named Gypsy who soaks up all the glory in the role she plays as queen of our castle. I love to travel, as it provides the opportunity to experience new places, try new things and learn more of different cultures. My travels have taken me to many different countries, states and islands, but my all-time favorite excursion was to Iceland where I rented a van and traveled the perimeter of the country with a dear friend over a week’s span…and yes, I got to see the wonders of the Northern Lights, firsthand! Many of my hobbies seem to be centered around my love of the great outdoors and include hiking, kayaking, downhill skiing, both ice and open water fishing, bicycling, trail walking and star gazing. When I have free time to enjoy indoors, you may find me participating things like yoga, reading, cooking, meditating, working on puzzles or crocheting. I love concerts and listening to live music, especially when it involves an acoustic guitar and/or harmonica.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I have dedicated 15 years to serving our community as a Registered Nurse, having most recently spent 13 of those years working on the Cardiovascular Stepdown Unit at UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus. I have found that one of the most rewarding aspects of a career in nursing is being able to connect with patients and their family members on an intimate level. While we often meet under difficult circumstances, being present as people face health challenges, has provided me a window to get to know and support vulnerable patients very quickly and play an important role in their life…even if only for a brief time. As a nurse, you are the voice of the patient and I have always prided myself on patient advocacy. I have recently, stepped away from my inpatient nursing career and went out on a limb to open a small business right here in Worcester called Thyme Herbal Apothecary with my friend and business partner Britney Esper, who is also a nurse. Together we set out on a mission to provide an alternative approach to health and wellness, primarily through the longstanding successes of herbal medicine. Having both spent many years in allopathic healthcare, we certainly can acknowledge its value and place, yet we recognized that in many cases it isn’t always the only option. In fact, nearly all other countries in the world successfully focus on a combination of both allopathic and holistic approaches to healing, which left us wondering…why not here? Alas, a dream of bridging the gap was realized and Thyme Herbal Apothecary opened its doors in September 2022. Our mission at Thyme is to strive to foster health autonomy by connecting our community with botanical approaches to health and wellness. We really aim to empower each individual who walks through the door with the resources they need to take control of their own health. At Thyme we offer over 200 bulk loose teas, herbs and spices as well as herbal tinctures, tonics and systematic detoxes. Additionally, we carry all natural health and wellness products, many of which are small batch crafted in house. I love that through Thyme, I am able to utilize the knowledge I’ve gained as a nurse, alongside my herbal studies, to enlighten and empower our local community. As the next step in my career, next month I will be returning to healthcare part-time as a home health/hospice nurse. Having completed the Jewell Palliative Scholar Program for end of life care in 2020, I look forward to the opportunity to provide medical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families within the comfort of their own homes.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
Oh man, tough one! With so many great restaurants in the Woo, it’s hard to pick just one. Since I’m a sucker for a good Italian meal, I’ll have to go with my favorite…Mare E Monti Trattoria on Wall Street. I’ve never had a meal there that I didn’t devour but the Pappardelle alla Bolognese is my favorite!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Many years ago, I was sitting on a beach in Jamaica and had the opportunity to engage in a deeply enlightening, soul moving, 2 hour conversation with a brilliant woman who introduced herself only as Caroline. As we wrapped up our chat, she stood to leave and told me she was author Caroline Myss. I often reflect on the pearls I took from this conversation still today.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Banff National Park. Definitely Banff. It’s stunning snow capped peaks, blue-green lakes and alpine meadows draw me in. I hope to get there one day soon.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Pearl Jam, hands down. I’m a sucker for both classic and alternative rock and have been a huge fan Pearl Jam since they first emerged when I was in high school. My love of Pearl Jam has brought me to 29 of their concerts all over the country!
Q: What is your best advice?
My best advice is to always remember that everything is a matter of perspective, and as such, we can view any situation however we want. Mindset is everything.
Q: What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
Someday I’d like to complete a triathalon. I’m a long way off, but I’ll get there.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
I’ve been loving the past few years at our new Polar Park. Baseball always leaves me feeling nostalgic; pair that with Worcester’s most iconic food choices, Coney Island Hot Dogs and Wonder Bar Pizza, chase it with a Wormtown beer and it just feels like home.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I’d love to grab a bite with Rosemary Gladstar, our modern-day mother of herbalism and soak up some of her wisdom.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see myself owning and operating a holistic wellness center.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I love getting older each year, a privilege denied to many.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Avery. Alyvia. Adysen.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Kate Hudson. I love her vibe.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
I love that Worcester is home of the smiley face.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
Patchouli. One whiff and I instantly feel more at peace.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
This one is easy. My daughters inspire me to be a better person. I try to remind myself that they are watching and looking to me to lead by example.
