30 Years of Growing With NHA: Allison Wheeler’s Journey

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. 

When Allison Wheeler talks about National Heritage Academies^® (NHA), she doesn’t describe just a job, she describes a place where she grew up.

“I was 18 when I started here,” said Wheeler, now Director of Admissions. “I had just started college and needed a job. I never imagined it would turn into my career.”

Nearly three decades later, Allison’s story mirrors NHA’s own evolution from a small office of about 20 people to a national organization changing lives in communities across the country.

From Office Assistant to Admissions Leader

Allison’s NHA journey began in 1998 as a part-time office assistant while attending Aquinas College. Like many early NHA team members, she wore a lot of hats.

“I filled in at the front desk, ordered office supplies, ran errands whatever needed to be done,” she said. “We were tiny back then.”

As NHA grew, so did her career. After a few years, she transitioned into marketing and admissions, traveling to parent meetings and school openings across Michigan and for NHA Schools in other states.

“I’d say, ‘I’ll go help,’ and suddenly I was on the road. We were opening schools fast. It was exciting and a little wild.”

Watching NHA Grow One School at a Time

Some of Allison’s most vivid memories come from NHA’s rapid growth years.

“We opened nine schools in 1999 and 12 in 2005,” she said. “People today wouldn’t believe the pace. We worked late every night, but we believed in what we were doing.”

Those long hours were fueled by purpose bringing high-quality education to families who needed options.

“Back then, parents saw these schools as life-changing opportunities,” Allison said. “They still do, but it felt especially powerful in those early days.”


NHA Service Center staff in 1999

A Front-Row Seat to Change

Over the years, Allison moved through roles in admissions, marketing, and even helped launch NHA’s Special Events department, planning major milestones like the 20th anniversary celebration, “I had the opportunity to plan that whole event, and it was huge. It was on the Gillette Bridge downtown. “

She’s also had a front-row seat to how technology has reshaped education and enrollment.

“I typed press releases from yellow notepads and faxed them to the media,” she laughed. “Now we do virtual parent meetings and digital outreach. It’s incredible how much has changed.”

Coming Full Circle

In 2025, Allison returned to admissions this time as a leader and a parent.

“When I left admissions, I wasn’t a mom,” she said. “Coming back with that perspective has changed how I see everything.”

That parent lens reinforces what has always grounded her at NHA, “Regardless of ZIP code, families deserve access to a quality education. Seeing parents cry at lotteries, that never leaves you. You know you’re making a difference.”

More Than Coworkers

After nearly 30 years, Allison says the people are what keep her here.

“You grow up together. Some of us started as interns. These relationships are real. This place feels like family.”

She recalls how ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and even navigating personal challenges were all met with teamwork and support.

“No matter what’s happening in your life, people step in and help. That’s just who we are.”

Looking Ahead

As NHA celebrates 30 years, Allison remains optimistic about what’s next. “We’ll keep evolving. We’ll continue getting stronger in academics and Moral Focus™, and we’ll explore new spaces. That’s exciting.”

Allison’s confidence in NHA’s mission hasn’t wavered.

“I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. I’ve spent most of my life here and I’m proud of that.”


Allison pitching in last minute as a clown for Stambaugh’s new family picnic!

Congratulations on 27 years Allison!