WISE and Otherwise

Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators
  • 5.0 (1)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join host and Christian education advocate Dalena Wallace on WISE and Otherwise, a podcast powered by the Heartland Education Reformation Organization (HERO). Each episode explores faith-based and family-centered education—featuring leaders reshaping learning through microschools, hybrids, and co-ops that keep Christ at the center. For media inquiries, please email dalena@aimeducationks.com.

  1. FEB 2

    The Wichita Miracle: The Secret Blueprint for Tuition-Free Christian Education

    What happens when you stumble upon a model of education that seems too good to be true? In our first episode of 2026, Dalena Wallace sits down with Emmi McCabe for a candid conversation about the "Wichita Model" of stewardship. As a member of the Wichita Catholic Diocese, Emmi experienced firsthand the unique reality of tuition-free K-12 education—a "Way of Life" that has sustained the Wichita Catholic community since 1968. Full disclosure: We are not experts on this topic. In this episode, we are diving in as novices, sharing our own "aha" moments and learning about Father Thomas McGread’s vision right alongside you. Dalena explores her own intrigue with this model and asks the big question: Is there a way for the broader Protestant church to catch this same fire? In this episode, we chat about: The "Discovery": The chance encounter that opened our eyes to the Wichita model. The "Air Quotes" Reality: How Emmi’s family experienced "free" education and what it actually requires from a community. A Different Perspective: Moving away from "fundraising" and toward stewardship as a daily mission. Intention & History: A first look at the years of intentional planning that built this culture. 🚀 BIG NEWS FOR 2026: The HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge We are officially launching the HERO Matching Scholarship Challenge! We currently have a $100,000 match fund ready to support Christian education. Every dollar raised by our founders and schools goes directly toward tuition, ensuring that faith-based education is accessible to every family. How you can take action today: Find a School: Check out a HERO partner school in your community and see how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure: heartlandhero.org/directory Visit Our Website: Learn more about our mission at heartlandhero.org. Get in Touch: Have questions? Email Dalena at dalena@aimeducationks.com. We'd like to thank our generous sponsors for this year's podcast episodes: 1. Learning Lab Wichita: Programs, space and support foreducation done differently. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher or an education innovator – Learning Lab gives you the resources to create your own path.(https://www.golearninglab.org/) 2. VELA: Every day, millions of families are stepping up to own their education. Thousands of founders have broken the mold, providing solutions that work better for families. This is a movement of self-determined people doing education their own way. VELA is where they connect. Download the VELA App today! (https://vela.org/)

    24 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    Nonprofit or For-Profit? What Every Microschool Founder Needs to Know

    Before you file a single piece of paperwork or enroll your first student, there’s one crucial decision that could make or break your school: your legal structure. In this essential episode of WISE and Otherwise, education leaders Becky Abrams Wilmoth and Allison Weide break down everything microschool founders need to understand about forming a nonprofit, choosing a board, and staying legally compliant with IRS regulations. From homeschool co-ops and hybrid models to full-time academies, they share what works, what fails, and what might get you in serious trouble if you're not careful. In this episode:– The difference between nonprofit and for-profit status (and what founders often misunderstand)– Why “keeping it simple” can backfire legally– The risks of collecting tuition under the wrong status– How Becky grew from field trips to a thriving 300-student nonprofit– What every founder should know about bylaws, boards, and parent volunteers– The importance of clear separation between church, school, and homeschool group Want the slides from this session? Email dalena@aimeducationks.com or becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com to request a copy of the presentation materials. Join Our Next Webinar Dalena + Becky Essentials: Writing Effective Mission/Vision Statements and Core Program Structure 🗓 Monday, January 26, 2026 · 7:00–8:00pm CT 📍 Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/vym-ywsw-vwz 📞 Dial-in: +1 929-277-5673‬ PIN: 847 698 289#🔗 More numbers: https://tel.meet/vym-ywsw-vwz?pin=3201398619397 Are you starting a school or co-op? Did you choose nonprofit or for-profit—and why? Share in the comments! Like, subscribe, and follow for more real-world insights on launching and leading bold education models. Resources & Links: Learn more about NonprofitEd: https://www.nonprofitedsolutions.com/ Connect with Becky Abrams Wilmoth: becky@nonprofitedsolutions.com BSz&si=wgUWXhwT2ElrMnoV#Microschools #SchoolStartup #NonprofitEducation #ForProfitVsNonprofit #SchoolChoice #ChristianEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #LegalTipsForFounders

    1h 3m

  3. 11/17/2025

    Is Public School Formation Destroying Faith?

    This week on WISE and Otherwise, we’re sharing a special replay—an eye-opening conversation I had with Dr. Lisa Watson. If you missed it the first time, this is one of those episodes that stays with you. Dr. Watson’s story is unlike anything you’ve heard: a former ACLU president, a committed atheist, and a leader in progressive activism… until a supernatural encounter completely changed the direction of her life.And here’s why this matters right now.Across the country, parents, pastors, and church leaders are waking up to the reality that the public school system is not just struggling—it’s shaping the next generation with values that run directly against biblical truth. Dr. Watson pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening inside schools, why even public school teachers are opting out for their own kids, and why churches can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines.In this interview, she lays out a clear, urgent case for why Christian education isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. She explains how the church already has every resource it needs to step in, reclaim its place in forming young hearts and minds, and give families a real alternative. You’ll hear powerful insights, practical steps, and a hopeful vision for what happens when churches decide to lead instead of react.If you care about protecting children, strengthening families, and equipping the next generation with truth, this conversation will deepen your resolve and sharpen your mission.

    36 min

  4. 11/03/2025

    This Mom Built a School for the Kids Public Schools Couldn't Handle

    What do you do when the system has no place for your child—or any child with special needs? In this moving episode of WISE and Otherwise, you’ll meet Meghan Melchor, founder of Lionheart Academy, a microschool for children with autism, intellectual delays, behavioral challenges, and other high-support needs. When one mom reached out with nowhere else to turn, Meghan said yes—and opened her home, her heart, and eventually, her own school. 🎙️ In this episode: – Why most Christian schools weren’t willing to serve high-needs students – How Meghan began homeschooling someone else’s child in her basement – The daily miracles and spiritual battles of running a school for overlooked kids – What church partnership can look like when done right – Why she believes there are more Lionheart Academies waiting to be built This isn’t just a story about education—it’s about calling, compassion, and the kind of love that refuses to give up on a child. 📢 What would happen if every community had a Lionheart? Could you be the next one to say yes? Tell us in the comments. 🔔 Like and follow for more real stories of courage, creativity, and Kingdom work in education. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔹 Visit Lionheart Academy: https://www.lionheartacademykansas.com/ 🔹 More podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GbjQYqh0HeG7ojJNq0eoe?si=cIryTLDnQLitWpKqfZ5RSQ#SpecialNeedsEducation #FaithAndEducation #LionheartAcademy #MicroSchool #SchoolChoice #ChristianSchool #ParentAdvocacy #WISEAndOtherwise

    29 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    She Tried to Stay Out of It—Now She Runs the School

    Shawna Hein didn’t set out to lead a school. In fact, she tried to keep her distance. But when her daughter fell in love with Northfield Academy—a small, classically grounded school in Wichita—God started tugging on Shawna’s heart too.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Shawna shares her surprising journey from skeptical homeschool mom to head of school, and how a simple campus tour turned into a personal transformation.🎙️ Inside this episode:– Why a shy homeschooler felt instantly at home at Northfield Academy– How Shawna slowly went from volunteer to board member to head of school– The power of classical education to shape the soul—not just fill the mind– How studying the Iliad, Dante, and Scripture helped her rediscover her own faith– What makes this microschool culture so deeply human and transformativeThis is more than a school story—it’s about calling, beauty, motherhood, and how God sometimes pulls us into things we never planned… but were made for.📢 Have you ever ended up somewhere you were trying to avoid—and realized it was exactly where you were meant to be? Share in the comments!🔔 Like and follow for more stories of faith, education, and everyday courage.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Northfield Academy: https://www.northfieldacademy.org🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/🔹 Watch more episodes: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GbjQYqh0HeG7ojJNq0eoe?si=ueQDNO5EQMeY-w1gOZ99YA#ClassicalEducation #NorthfieldAcademy #FaithAndEducation #HomeschoolToHeadmaster #MicroSchoolMovement #SchoolChoice #WISEAndOtherwise #ParentLedEducation

    31 min

  6. 10/06/2025

    She Left Public School to Build a One-Room Schoolhouse

    After 24 years in public education, Trudy Wischropp was burned out, overwhelmed… and deeply convicted. God was calling her to something radical. So she said yes. In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Trudy shares the incredible journey behind Armor Academy—a micro-school she launched in the upstairs of her home, with dreams of eventually moving into a 100-year-old one-room schoolhouse… which she literally had moved to her property. 📘 In this episode: – How COVID revealed a vision—and ignited a calling – What it was like to leave a secure paycheck and take a leap of faith – Why she never saw herself homeschooling (and how that changed) – The simple rhythms of Armor Academy’s day-to-day life– What surprised her most about running a small school – How local churches and parents came alongside her vision This is more than a feel-good story—it’s a roadmap for any educator or parent wondering: “Is there something more?” 📢 Would you ever start a one-room schoolhouse? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Subscribe for more stories of faith, courage, and creative Christian education. 📌 Links & Resources: 🔹 Visit Armor Academy: https://www.armoracademy.net 🔹 Follow Armor Academy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Armor-Academy-61560977438089/ 🔹 Follow Armor Academy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmorAcademy 🔹 Learn more about HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/ 🔹 Watch more episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTvVOFEIGF9B1Kl4joO8vc6vfwjR7-BSz&si=VKv7L4P0lHdI4Irv#ChristianEducation #OneRoomSchoolhouse #FaithAndEducation #ArmorAcademy #MicroSchoolMovement #TeacherCalling #WISEAndOtherwise #SchoolChoice #EducationByFaith

    31 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    How He Started A Tuition-Free Christian School

    Most churches talk about reaching the next generation. Pastor Justin Walker built a school to do it.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Pastor Justin shares the remarkable story of launching Salt and Light Academy—a tuition-free, Christ-centered school born inside his church with zero budget, total faith, and a bold vision to reach the 57 million students in public schools.🎙️ In this episode:– How Salt and Light Academy launched from idea to reality in 7 months– Why they refuse to charge tuition—even when parents offer to pay– The church’s role in funding education without compromising the Gospel– Stories of student baptisms, family transformation, and community revival– What it really costs to run a free Christian school (and how they’re doing it)This isn’t just a story about a school. It’s a model. A movement. And a direct challenge to churches everywhere: What’s in your hand—and what’s stopping you from using it?📢 Would your church ever start a school like this? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.🔔 Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of faith, bold leadership, and K–12 education reform.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Salt & Light Academy: https://www.saltandlightky.org/school🔹 Connect with Pastor Justin Walker: justin@saltandlightky.org🔹 Visit the church website: https://www.saltandlightky.org#FaithAndEducation #SchoolChoice #TuitionFreeChristianSchool #ChristianEducation #SaltAndLightAcademy #ChurchBasedSchool #PastorLeadership #WISEAndOtherwise

    42 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    This Mom Fought for Her Son—and Found a School That Fights Too

    For years, Jaime Beck watched her son Charlie struggle in silence—kicking, screaming, melting down before school, and coming home exhausted, ashamed, and overlooked. He was smart, creative, and full of potential—but public school didn’t know what to do with him.In this episode of WISE and Otherwise, Jaime shares the emotional journey of discovering her son’s dyslexia late, navigating misdiagnoses, and feeling dismissed by the very system meant to help him. But everything changed when she found Freedom Prep—a school that didn’t just accommodate Charlie, but believed in him.🎙️ Inside this episode:– The signs she saw—and how long it took to get real answers– What public school offered (and failed to deliver)– Why dyslexia wasn’t the problem—it was the misunderstanding of it– The emotional toll on Charlie—and on Jaime as a mother– How Freedom Prep rebuilt confidence, joy, and belonging– What every parent needs to know about advocating for their childIf you’ve ever felt like your child was being left behind, this story will give you hope—and a roadmap for what’s possible.📢 Have you ever had to fight for your child to be seen? Share your story in the comments.🔔 Like, subscribe, and follow for more powerful stories of faith, education, and courageous families.📌 Resources & Links:🔹 Learn more about Freedom Prep: https://freedomprepwichita.org/🔹 Connect with HERO: https://www.heartlandhero.org/contact🔹 Explore school options near you: https://www.heartlandhero.org/directory #DyslexiaAwareness #SchoolChoice #EducationThatHeals #FreedomPrep #FaithAndEducation #WISEAndOtherwise #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy

    25 min
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About

Join host and Christian education advocate Dalena Wallace on WISE and Otherwise, a podcast powered by the Heartland Education Reformation Organization (HERO). Each episode explores faith-based and family-centered education—featuring leaders reshaping learning through microschools, hybrids, and co-ops that keep Christ at the center. For media inquiries, please email dalena@aimeducationks.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators
  • Show Website
    WISE and Otherwise