Our People: Busy while battling

Heather Mahan was born at Cannon Air Force Base. She is the daughter of Lu Ann and Travis Mahan and the oldest of three. She and has two brothers, Tyler Lewis and Chase Mahan.

She went to high school in House and graduated in 2003. She earned a conductors certificate from Johnson County Community College in 2007 and worked for the railroad for a year. She gave birth to her son, Ty Caperton, the following year.

She enjoys keeping busy and staying involved in the community although she faces some medical challenges. She was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Behcet's disease (autoimmune disorder) in 2016.

She is the vice president of Young Professionals of Clovis (YPC), a networking, community outreach and volunteering organization and is involved in Leadership Clovis.

When she is not working she enjoys crafting, playing and umpiring softball and spending time with family.

Mahan has been a substitute teacher for Clovis Municipal Schools since 2012.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Being at home and watching movies with my son.

What's your favorite TV show, past and present?

My past favorite show is "Jersey Shore" and since it has rebooted is also my current favorite.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals. I love cows. They're sweet animals. I love to feed the calves. I love dogs and cows most of all.

What's your favorite taste?

Red Bull energy drinks. If it wouldn't kill me I'd drink them all day. I'm not allowed to drink them anymore for my health. I'm sad about that.

What's your favorite smell?

Leather. There's a wax melt in a shop on Main Street that carries a leather scent that's to die for. It's a leather with a hint of vanilla to it. It smells so good. It's called Leather and Lace.

What do you do when you're not working?

I love to do crafts. I redo purses. I make wreaths. I like to sew. Once, I couldn't find a shower curtain that I liked so I made one. I enjoy any type of craft work.

What is your favorite quote?

"Though she be but little she is fierce." - William Shakespeare. It kind of goes hand in hand with everything I've gone through and still going through. And I'm little. I'm about 4'11 and 3 quarters.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Strong.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel?

My favorite place to travel is Logan at Ute Lake. Its my happy place.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I envision being happy and healthy and I would like to be in politics. I'd like to be a state representative but sooner than that I'd like to run for commissioner.

- Compiled by The ENM News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield