By Nancy Price
Alexandria Wheeler has always been drawn to health and wellness. She even graduated from Hanover College with a degree in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology. Now she works as a membership development manager at the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.
“I know! Shocking that I work at the chamber,” Wheeler said. “I initially chose to study Kinesiology with the aspirations of being a physical therapist. I even worked at Hayden Physical Therapy over summer breaks. However, as time wore on, I found that I was passionate about helping people make connections and bettering their life (not to mention I pass out at the sight of a needle and any sign of blood) and not necessarily helping someone recover from a total knee replacement.”
Wheeler, a Center Grove resident for most of her life, decided to apply at the Greenwood Chamber after discovering that she enjoyed setting meetings with community leaders and volunteering through working at part-time jobs.
“I was introduced to some wonderful leaders, specifically Kim Minton and Gail Richards at the Johnson County Community Foundation,” she said. “I even volunteered to help them put on their 2018 Gala, which was so fun! Today, I serve on one of their committees and I am grateful to continue working alongside them!”
Wheeler also owns a small wedding coordinator business (Alexandria Wheeler Wedding Coordination) and has been married to her husband, Ben Wheeler, for nearly two years.
What is your greatest virtue?
Discipline and gratitude.
What upsets you?
Remaining stagnant. I am extremely passionate about personal development and continuing education. I become discouraged when I see those I care about not setting goals or striving to achieve something more.
What do you like best about Center Grove?
I have met some wonderful people in the Center Grove area, including my wonderful husband. We started dating our junior year at Center Grove High School.
What’s your favorite Southside eatery?
Oaken Barrel Brewing! My husband and I love it so much, Kwang Casey even catered our wedding. His Dynamite Shrimp is THE best. Our friends still ask about it!
If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be?
Nowhere. My husband and I moved away after graduation and returned quickly. This is our home and we love the community.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
Thankfully, not a thing. Everything has a reason, whether that is a positive or negative experience. All of these moments have cumulated and taught me new lessons, allowing me to be right where I need to be.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
My husband and I love to travel. I would love to be able to go back to New Zealand and explore other parts of the world.
What makes you happiest?
Being outdoors. I love spending time hiking, going on walks, or doing a 5K.
Pick three adjectives that best describe you.
Hardworking, reliable and funny.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Outside of the United States, I would have to say New Zealand. I spent a week there while studying abroad and it was the most beautiful place I have even been. It was remarkably pure and refreshing. However, inside the United States, Gatlinburg, Tennessee or Milwaukie, Wisconsin. Gatlinburg has amazing hiking trails and Milwaukie is a hidden gem filled with great breweries and small platted restaurants!
What do you do with idle time?
I love to go hiking with my husband and our dogs in Brown County State Park.
What would you change about our culture if you could?
Technology! While it is a HUGE benefit and I am extremely fortunate to be part of a generation that has not known a time without access to the Internet, I am finding more and more people are spending time looking at their phone, laptop, or watching T.V. instead of creating memories with friends, family, or their co-workers.
How do you escape from reality?
Either by spending time outdoors, cooking, or by reading a really great book! I am currently reading Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and Own Your Everyday: Overcome the Pressure to Prove and Show Up for What You Were Made to Do by Jordan Lee Dooley.
What do you love most in life?
My husband, Ben Wheeler, and our dogs, Swanson and Blanton.
Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire?
My parents, Mike and Lynn Combs. They have been my advocates and personal development coaches since day one. I am grateful for their guidance and support. However, as I grow in my career and personal development I am looking forward to meeting many future mentors.
What quality do you admire most in another person?
Patience. I am a quick-moving personality that thrives off dynamic environments. I am always amazed by those who can slow down and evaluate every variable. This is something that I am focusing on and always looking to grow in my personal development journey.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Wow! Going to the movies! But in all seriousness, my husband and I booked a trip to St. Thomas last year and it was beautiful. I have never seen water that color of blue.
What is your greatest fear?
I am deathly afraid of heights and the dark.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
My first would be my wedding day. It was picture perfect. We were surround by our friends and family and had the most beautiful July day. My second would be spending a semester studying abroad in Australia. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am so grateful to my parents for that opportunity.
Is there a special talent you really wish you had?
I wish I could juggle! My husband teases me about it all the time, but it is such a cool trick that I have never been able to master.
What do you most value in your friends?
Their honesty and support.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
I am unable to name just one. I admire all the brave women that carved a path, allowing me to be where I am today. From medicine, writing, fashion and political activism, I am grateful for their dedication and persistence and passion for equality and global enhancement.
What tenet do you live by?
Everything happens for a reason, but it does not mean you should sit ideally by and wait for life to happen to you.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I love to cook! It is exciting creating something out of nothing and to know that if I combine x, y and z, I can create something delicious! I have even started to share my recipes on my Instagram page.
