Chef Nicole (Nikki) Heflin began her career in Culinary Arts and Hospitality as a teenager in the 1990s in Boca Raton, Florida. An avid learner, Nikki earned her degrees from Purdue University in Hospitality Management, Sales Management, and Family and Consumer Sciences Education, as well as an MAEd in Career and Technical Education from Ball State. Nikki joined Westfield High School in 2011, where she founded the FACS and Culinary Arts program. This initiative program now reaches nearly 2,000 students annually across the district, offering 24 CTE-based courses across the high school and middle school. Alongside her teaching role, Nikki serves as an academic coach for the WHS chapter of FCCLA, leading students in competitions at the state and national level. She also coaches the student-led food service business, Foodies Rock, which connects students to the community and industry through innovative outreach programs. Additionally, Nikki established a district-wide school gardening program called the Rocks Produce Project, where she shares her passion for sustainability as the District Garden Coordinator. In her role outside of WHS, Nikki is an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College, teaching courses such as Baking & Pastry, Human Resources and Catering Management. 

Recognized as a passionate speaker and education advocate, Nikki has been honored as the 2024 AAFCS National Teacher of the Year, ACF Culinary Educator of the Year, FCCLA Spirit of Advising recipient, WWS Rock Strong Award honoree, and AAFCS New Achiever. In an effort to build and sustain the culinary arts and gardening program, Nikki helped secure over $100,000 in grants. Outside of her role as an educator, Nikki is mom to two children who are proud Shamrocks, four pets, and is married to her favorite travel partner, Kyle. 

Rachel is the Client Services Manager at Grand Park Sports Campus, where she’s in her fourth year. She graduated from Purdue University in 2015 with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, complemented by a minor in Operational Leadership. In 2024, she was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce.

Rachel actively contributes to her community as the Chair-Elect and Coffee Coordinator for the Westfield Young Professionals and serves on the Board of Directors for the Westfield Youth Assistance Program, where she also mentors a youth in the community.

In her personal life, Rachel is married and shares her home with her elderly Beagle, Lucy. She recently became an aunt and enjoys spending her free time with her three younger siblings. A passionate sports fan, she loves all things Colts and Purdue!

Sandy Kirsch has been married to her husband Bill for 51 years! They have two children, Christie who lives in Colorado with her husband David and Ryan who lives in Arizona with his wife Kaitlyn. They have lived in Westfield for 48 years! Sandy was a nurse at Methodist/ IU Health for nearly 40 years before back surgery ended her career in 2010.

In 2007, Sandy started the Heart and Soul Clinic. In 2015, she stepped down from being the director of the clinic. At the city’s Lantern Awards that same year I received the Sagamore of the Wabash. Today, Sandy and Bill are enjoying retirement and living the life.

Michelle Merritt is a bold leader and Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management, helping leaders unlock their full potential through personalized, results-driven strategies. With over 20 years of experience, she has led mergers, optimized operations, and coached executives to achieve sustainable growth. Michelle’s passion lies in empowering professionals to turn big visions into actionable realities.  

A dedicated leader in her community, Michelle has served on over 30 boards and committees, including the Women of Westfield, the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, and the City of Westfield’s Communications Taskforce. Her strategic insights have strengthened HR practices, communication initiatives, and organizational scalability across multiple sectors. Recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice and by the 122nd Fighter Wing Blacksnakes of the Air National Guard, Michelle’s commitment to excellence is unwavering.  

Michelle finds joy in family life with her husband, Jason Mutzfeld, and their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson in Anchorage, AK. As the eldest of eight siblings spread across the globe, she values connection and community in all aspects of her life. Through vision, leadership, and heart, Michelle embodies what it means to be truly legendary.— inspiring others and leaving an indelible mark wherever she goes.