Ashley Wiser  

For Ashley Wiser, food is more than nourishment, it’s a way to build connections, inspire students, and bring joy to those she serves. As a mother of five and the cafeteria manager at Helmwood Heights Elementary, she brings over two decades of experience to her role, making sure every student who goes through her line is well nourished and looked after.

Ashley’s love for food started early on with her mother and grandmother in the kitchen. She once considered a career in forensic pathology, but her passion for food won out. Working in the K-12 foodservice space gives her the perfect balance between a fulfilling career and quality time with her family. She says, “I would not trade this job for a million dollars. The love I give and receive is phenomenal.”

Ashley approaches her work with an important question in mind: How can we better serve students and make them excited to visit the cafeteria each day? She shares that the key is consistency, putting students first, and fostering an environment where they feel welcomed and cared for. She sees her role as more than just serving meals; it’s about creating positive, uplifting experiences for students every day. “Anybody can provide food,” Ashley says. “It’s the connection, the positivity, and the changes that can be made that make this job worth it.”

Ashley and her five-member team operate with a big mission; they call it, “Operation Give the Love.” They embrace working together and give all they can to ensure every student feels valued. The team serves breakfast and lunch daily, in addition to offering an after-school meal program Monday through Thursday, reinforcing their commitment to student well-being.