From Parent to Purpose: Theresa Sewell’s 25-Year Journey at NHA
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
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From Parent to Purpose: Theresa Sewell’s 25-Year Journey at NHA
Published: Jan 29, 2026
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Chad Fridsma Celebrating 24 Years of Purpose and People
Published: Jan 22, 2026
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30 Years of Growing With NHA: Allison Wheeler’s Journey
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NHA Schools Spread Holiday Cheer Far and Wide
Published: Jan 08, 2026
This Employee Spotlight series celebrates NHA’s 30th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year and honors those whose dedication, leadership, and Moral Focus™ values have shaped our schools.
Theresa Sewell didn’t come to National Heritage Academies® (NHA) looking for a career move she came looking for a school.
What started as a mom searching for the right learning environment for her son has grown into a decades-long journey of service, leadership, and deep belief in what NHA makes possible for families.
Theresa’s introduction to NHA began with a problem many parents can relate to, a child who needed support and a desire to find something better.
At the time, her son was in third grade and thriving in a self-paced private school environment until the school closed.
“When the school was closing, I’m like, what am I going to do?” she said.
All it took was one year in public school for her to know her son needed a different kind of education.
“He went from a straight A student to a failing student,” she said. “And I knew he needed something that would keep him motivated.”
When NHA opened Metro Charter Academy in Romulus, Theresa enrolled her son and never looked back.
Becoming a Parent Ambassador
Theresa became one of Metro Charter Academy’s earliest champions because she believed families needed to know there was another choice for their child’s education.
Theresa’s passion quickly turned into action. She began giving tours, connecting with families, and helping parents understand charter schools.
“Charters were new. Just being able to let them know you’re getting the same type of education as a private school; you’re just not paying the money.”
Her enthusiasm caught the attention of the school’s principal.
“The principal said, ‘Hey, you’ve been giving tours, I think have a position for you.”
That’s when Theresa officially joined NHA as a parent ambassador.
Growing Through the Roles
Theresa’s NHA journey is the definition of growth through opportunity. In her 25 years at NHA she’s held many roles, from Parent ambassador, Student recruitment specialist, Admissions manager, Senior admissions manager and now her current role Senior manager of admissions.
As NHA expanded into new communities and new states, Theresa wanted to be part of it.
“As NHA began to open schools, I’m like, ‘Hey, sign me up. I want to talk about it. I want to speak about the wonderful work NHA is doing.”
Her work took her across state lines as a brand ambassador for NHA building trust, growing enrollment, and helping families take that first step toward something new.
What She Loves Most
Theresa’s passion for admissions goes far beyond filling seats. For her, it has always been about families and the culture that makes NHA schools feel like home.
“One thing that drew me was the Moral Focus™ because I felt like we had our own pathway for students to be great citizens.”
Theresa also views enrollment as something personal, built on trust, listening and community connection.
“I saw it as a relationship with my schools, families and communities I serve.”
A Moment She’ll Never Forget
When asked about a moment that has stayed with her, Theresa didn’t hesitate, and her answer reflected just how deeply NHA became part of her family’s story.
“The one thing that stands out is when 9/11 occurred.”
Theresa remembers how NHA responded immediately and made her feel secure as a parent that her son was in a safe environment.
“NHA stepped right in. All the safety procedures and protocols, that touched my heart.”
In that moment, NHA felt like more than just a school.
“I felt safe and secure that my child was in a place that felt like family to me.”
Theresa also shared a story about a mural created at Metro Charter Academy after 9/11 featuring student handprints forming an American flag.
“Their handprints are still there as the flag. It was my joy to share with families on a tour what we experienced at that time.”
Theresa’s belief in NHA is grounded in people and the everyday work happening inside classrooms.
“I want other families to have the same experience I did. To better educate more children.”
And she continues to do that work today, one relationship at a time.
Fun Fact
Outside of work, Theresa loves learning about the world around her.
“I love exploring, especially when it comes to science, nature, and learning about the history of places and inventions.”
And she loves the ocean for the peace it brings. She says nature has a way of grounding her.
Congratulations on 25 years Theresa!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
Theresa Sewell didn’t come to National Heritage Academies® (NHA) looking for a career move she came looking for a school.
What started as a mom searching for the right learning environment for her son has grown into a decades-long journey of service, leadership, and deep belief in what NHA makes possible for families.
Theresa’s introduction to NHA began with a problem many parents can relate to, a child who needed support and a desire to find something better.
At the time, her son was in third grade and thriving in a self-paced private school environment until the school closed.
“When the school was closing, I’m like, what am I going to do?” she said.
All it took was one year in public school for her to know her son needed a different kind of education.
“He went from a straight A student to a failing student,” she said. “And I knew he needed something that would keep him motivated.”
When NHA opened Metro Charter Academy in Romulus, Theresa enrolled her son and never looked back.
Becoming a Parent Ambassador
Theresa became one of Metro Charter Academy’s earliest champions because she believed families needed to know there was another choice for their child’s education.
Theresa’s passion quickly turned into action. She began giving tours, connecting with families, and helping parents understand charter schools.
“Charters were new. Just being able to let them know you’re getting the same type of education as a private school; you’re just not paying the money.”
Her enthusiasm caught the attention of the school’s principal.
“The principal said, ‘Hey, you’ve been giving tours, I think have a position for you.”
That’s when Theresa officially joined NHA as a parent ambassador.
Growing Through the Roles
Theresa’s NHA journey is the definition of growth through opportunity. In her 25 years at NHA she’s held many roles, from Parent ambassador, Student recruitment specialist, Admissions manager, Senior admissions manager and now her current role Senior manager of admissions.
As NHA expanded into new communities and new states, Theresa wanted to be part of it.
“As NHA began to open schools, I’m like, ‘Hey, sign me up. I want to talk about it. I want to speak about the wonderful work NHA is doing.”
Her work took her across state lines as a brand ambassador for NHA building trust, growing enrollment, and helping families take that first step toward something new.
What She Loves Most
Theresa’s passion for admissions goes far beyond filling seats. For her, it has always been about families and the culture that makes NHA schools feel like home.
“One thing that drew me was the Moral Focus™ because I felt like we had our own pathway for students to be great citizens.”
Theresa also views enrollment as something personal, built on trust, listening and community connection.
“I saw it as a relationship with my schools, families and communities I serve.”
A Moment She’ll Never Forget
When asked about a moment that has stayed with her, Theresa didn’t hesitate, and her answer reflected just how deeply NHA became part of her family’s story.
“The one thing that stands out is when 9/11 occurred.”
Theresa remembers how NHA responded immediately and made her feel secure as a parent that her son was in a safe environment.
“NHA stepped right in. All the safety procedures and protocols, that touched my heart.”
In that moment, NHA felt like more than just a school.
“I felt safe and secure that my child was in a place that felt like family to me.”
Theresa also shared a story about a mural created at Metro Charter Academy after 9/11 featuring student handprints forming an American flag.
“Their handprints are still there as the flag. It was my joy to share with families on a tour what we experienced at that time.”
Theresa’s belief in NHA is grounded in people and the everyday work happening inside classrooms.
“I want other families to have the same experience I did. To better educate more children.”
And she continues to do that work today, one relationship at a time.
Fun Fact
Outside of work, Theresa loves learning about the world around her.
“I love exploring, especially when it comes to science, nature, and learning about the history of places and inventions.”
And she loves the ocean for the peace it brings. She says nature has a way of grounding her.
Congratulations on 25 years Theresa!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.