Yolanda Reid-Wheeler, a trailblazer in education and mental health, has spent 30 years quietly reshaping the lives of thousands of Georgia’s students—both in school and in life. Currently serving as an Intervention Specialist with the Family & Student Support Services Team in Henry County Public Schools, Yolanda’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She is an educator, consultant, counselor, behavior specialist, and student mental health advocate, dedicating her career to ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.
Yolanda’s core belief of “leading in service” underscores her dynamic story. She began her journey in Henry County as a consultant, brought on to help secure a Bill Gates grant for education transformation. But what started as a short-term project soon evolved into a decade of service and impact that few could have imagined. “When I first came to Henry County, I was here to help with the grant, but I saw an opportunity for so much more,” Yolanda reflects. And more is exactly what she gave. From service learning to mental health reform, Yolanda has continually redefined what it means to support students holistically. Her initiatives have touched the lives of not only students but also teachers, families, and entire communities.
While having recently completed her first year of service on the HealthMPowers board, Yolanda’s involvement with the organization spans seven years, during which time she has been a passionate advocate for, and true embodiment of, HealthMPowers mission: to champion healthy habits and transform the environments where children live, learn, and play.
From Big City to Rural Georgia and Back
After many years in DeKalb County Schools, Yolanda entered rural Butts County, a world vastly different from her Atlanta upbringing. For many of these children, cultural exposure was something they had never experienced. “For some of my students, going to Atlanta was a field trip to a different world,” she remembers with a smile. By introducing them to The King Center and The Carter Center, she was able to give them opportunities beyond county lines. “I brought culture, theater, and service learning into their lives,” she says, her voice filled with pride. “And it stuck. Those moments became part of their future.”
While introducing culture and service learning was transformative, it was Yolanda’s mental health work that became a lifeline for many students. She describes students who had suffered undiagnosed mental health issues for years. “I had children walking into middle school in psychosis—undiagnosed, untreated,” she recalls. With a determination rooted in empathy, Yolanda set out to change how to support these children, academically and emotionally.
Leading Positive Change in Henry County
Upon arriving in Henry County, Yolanda’s innovative approach took root in the district’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. As the Georgia Department of Education’s District Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Coordinator, she oversees 46 schools in Henry County, ensuring the program is implemented and sustained with fidelity.
Her vision of a better school culture extends beyond traditional education, which is why she is such a strong advocate for HealthMPowers’ Power Up For 30 initiative, which encourages students to engage in an additional 30 minutes of physical activity throughout the school day, outside of physical education classes. “Movement is so simple,” she says, “but its impact on learning and focus is enormous.”
Thanks to Yolanda’s leadership, schools in Henry County have seen tangible results. Power Up For 30 has contributed to a 75% reduction in discipline referrals at Excel Academy, while also boosting student engagement and overall well-being. Over 29 schools now actively participate in Power Up For 30 or other HealthMPowers programming and the positive effects are undeniable—improved focus, better academic performance, and a more supportive school culture.
A Board Member’s Vision for the Future of HealthMPowers
Yolanda’s expertise and passion for the mission of HealthMPowers made her an ideal candidate for the board. Though new to the governance side, her intimate knowledge of the organization’s programs and her hands-on experience in education give her a unique perspective and a welcome voice at the table.
As a board member, Yolanda’s vision for HealthMPowers is ambitious. Having witnessed firsthand the benefits of HealthMPowers’ success, she is a fierce advocate for expanding the organization’s work beyond nutrition and physical activity. “HealthMPowers work is about changing lives,” she says. “We aren’t just talking about building better students, but training teachers in ways of engaging their students. HealthMPowers programming is a great way to do that.” Yolanda sees a future where the organization touches every corner of Georgia, reaching not only more schools but also diving deeper into areas like mental wellness and brain health.
Leaving a Legacy
In Yolanda’s eyes, the HealthMPowers curriculum is more than just a program—it’s a movement. And it’s a movement she sees herself being part of long after her retirement. “I don’t see myself as someone who walks away when [my] board service ends,” she says. “I see myself getting even more deeply involved.”
And in less than two years, Yolanda Reid-Wheeler has already left an indelible mark on HealthMPowers. She reminds us that connection and compassion are at the heart of every successful educational initiative and that real change happens when we lead with empathy and fight for every child’s future. “When students feel loved and supported, they’ll do anything,” she says. “HealthMPowers gives students that opportunity to serve and be seen.”
