OUR PEOPLE
At the heart of any good company is good people. Choice is no exception. Our people come from all over the state and have a wide array of educational, professional, personal, and cultural backgrounds. We are all brought together by the shared passion of helping children.
We also focus on developing one another through meaningful relationships, challenging work, constructive feedback, sound professional training, and a true commitment to nurturing the career path of each team member.
Jake Allen
Department: Payroll & Benefits
Position:
Director of Payroll & Benefits
Jake Allen is our Director of Payroll and Benefits. Jake oversees the management of payroll processes and benefits administration, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. He also works closely with the finance department to implement the accounting software, and assists our new and current Choice employees with payroll needs. Jake also assists finance and payroll with special projects and is committed to perfecting audits for Choice Schools and its academies. Jake graduated from Central Michigan University, receiving his B.S. in Business Administration and Economic Theory. Jake is also a proud Marine, having served in the military from 2001 to 2005. Jake will advocate for employees’ needs, provide world-class benefits, and build a foundation for accurate payroll processes while rooted in our values.
Kerri Barrett
Position:
Chief Communications Officer
Kerri Barrett is with the Central Office team as Chief Communications Officer. Kerri earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan. A year later, she joined the Choice family at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science as a high school social studies teacher. While teaching, she earned her master’s at Michigan State University in educational leadership. In October of 2012, she was given the opportunity to lead the elementary school at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science.
Matt Bazen
Position:
Chief Human Resources Officer
Matt Bazen is our Chief Human Resources Officer. With over 12 years of experience in charter school management, Matt has held diverse roles in Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, and, most recently, Director of the HR Business Partner Team. In his latest capacity, he focused on staffing, retention, and engagement across the network of 100 schools. As the CHRO, Matt leads all HR related functions, ensuring strategic oversight and effective management across the organization’s human resources initiatives. He holds a management degree from Grand Valley State University and earned his MBA at Western Michigan University. Additionally, he teaches a management class at GVSU, a role he’s enjoyed since 2018.
Brian Beaudrie
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Director of School Finance
Brian Beaudrie is the Director of School Finance at Choice Schools Associates. He has been a member of the Choice family since 2014. Prior to joining Choice Schools, Brian worked with charter schools as an auditor and finance director. Brian graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in accounting. He became a CPA in 2003.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, volunteering in his community, playing golf and watching sports, especially football.
Jessica Carey
Department: Academic Excellence
Position:
Academic Excellence Support Specialist
Jessica works at Choice Schools Associates as the Administrative Assistant for the Academic Excellence Team. Jessica has years of administrative experience in the finance, higher education, and technology sectors. Prior to Choice, Jessica worked at Grand Valley State University, providing administrative support to planned giving, endowments, scholarships, and major gifts.
Jackson Carmoney
Department: Human Resources
Position:
HR Generalist
Jackson Carmoney comes to us from Highway and Heavy Parts, a truck supplier in Coleman, Michigan. Jackson brings with him experiences in employee engagement, benefits, retention, and recruiting. He will be supporting the Environmental Model schools, and we eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives and insights he will bring to our endeavors.
Relocating to West Michigan, Jackson is excited about being closer to his family, who also reside in the area. Jackson is also a licensed first responder and has served three years as a volunteer firefighter for Jerome Township Fire Department. He is an avid outdoorsman, loves playing sports, working out, and spending time at the beach.
Kristen Crawford
Position:
Superintendent
Kristen Crawford is our Superintendent of Montessori schools. She joined the Choice Schools family in January 2020 as the assistant principal at New Branches Charter Academy and transitioned into director of of behavior intervention, in August of 2023. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from Liberty University, her Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southern Wesleyan University, and has recently finished up her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Prior to coming to Choice, she served at Success Virtual Learning Centers, opening and running learning centers in Grand Rapids and Lansing. Her transition to leadership came after a decade of teaching Health and Physical Education in both private and public schools. Kristen has a great passion for finding ways to support, engage, and meet the unique needs of all students so that they can grow to their greatest potential.
Ali DuBois
Position:
Superintendent
Ali DuBois serves as the superintendent of our environmental model. Ali joined the Central Office team after nearly 15 years of school leadership and teaching, including Muskegon Montessori Academy for Environmental Change (MMAEC), where she launched the school and served as the school principal for six years. Ali was instrumental in growing the school as well as improving their test scores and is also a two-time Michigan Charter School Administrator of the Year finalist. Because of the MMAEC team’s efforts, the school is one of the highest-ranking schools in Muskegon County! As the superintendent, Ali consistently drives academic improvement and remains at the forefront of leading the turnaround in academic performance across the schools she leads. Ali is also currently a fellow in the Educational Policy Fellowship Program at Michigan State University.
Paul Ezel
Department: Academic Excellence
Paul Ezel is our Director of Technology, Data, and Online Solutions. He partners with each school to support their technology and data needs. Paul earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and began teaching at Dove Academy. During his 17 years at Dove, a Choice Schools Academy, he served as a teacher in multiple grades, including second, third, fourth, and fifth grade, and as the media center teacher before launching into leadership as the Dean of Students and most recently a Vice Principal. Paul earned his master’s degree in teacher leadership from Oakland University with an education specialty. Paul watches over all things related to the student information systems and the tools related to instruction, technology, and data.
Monica Feldpausch
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Associate Accountant
Monica Feldpausch is our Associate Accountant! Monica grew up on a hobby farm in Hastings, MI, and recently graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s in Accountancy. She brings valuable experience from internships at Utility Supply and Construction Company and AF Group, along with leadership skills gained through her involvement in the St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, where she served on the executive board for multiple years. In her free time, Monica enjoys singing, playing piano, and spending time with her family. She recently got engaged and is planning a Fall 2025 wedding. Monica is excited to support our mission at Choice Schools Associates, and we’re thrilled to have her on board!
Luis Garza
Department: Human Resources
Position:
Onboarding and Compliance Coordinator
With five years of HR experience spanning retail, warehouse, and medical industries, Luis is eager to bring his skills to charter schools. A Ferris State graduate and Grand Rapids resident for the past four years, he enjoys ballroom dancing, martial arts, traveling, and exploring new restaurants. He’s looking forward to growing with Choice Schools!
Rob Ghansah
Department: Executive Leadership Support
Position:
Rob holds a BS in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University and brings over five years of IT experience. His career started in Georgia, led him to Michigan, and now to Choice Schools.
Rebeka Hays
Department: Academic Excellence
Bio coming soon!
Scott Henry
Department: Academic Excellence
Scott serves as the Director of Classical Education and Development at Choice Schools Associates where he provides leadership and support for the organization’s classical education model. With over 15 years of experience in education—as a teacher, administrator, and headmaster—he brings a deep understanding of leadership and classroom excellence rooted in the classical tradition.
In his current role, Scott supports educators and school leaders across the network who serve in the classical model by offering academic guidance, mentoring, and professional development. His work is grounded in a commitment to guiding schools that cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a love of learning.
Throughout his career, Scott has been recognized for his leadership and impact in education, including being voted favorite area principal. He is passionate about advancing the classical tradition in modern classrooms, supporting educators, and shaping schools that instill a love for truth, goodness, and beauty.
Scott holds a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and a Master’s of Education from Grace College.
Autumn Hernandez
Department: Human Resources
Position:
HR Generalist
Autumn Hernandez joined us in 2022 as the HR Generalist supporting the Montessori model (FCMA, MMA, BCMA, SHCDC, and CMA)! Autumn completed her bachelor’s degree at GVSU in K-8 Education, and obtained a Professional HR Management certificate at MSU! She came to us with four years of HR experience – two from the courier industry and two from the utilities industry. Autumn and her husband, Damion, have been married almost three years, and share their home with three adorable cats—Cheddar, Lilly, and Buddy. She loves fantasy related movies like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, and watching comedy shows. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, meeting new people, and hosting dinners! Autumn is most looking forward to integrating her passion for education and human resources to support others at Choice! You can find Autumn in the shared HR workspace.
Nice to meet you!
Sara Hogle
Department: Human Resources
Position:
Director of Human Resources
Sara is our Director of Human Resources, leading the HR policies, procedures, and training. She joined the Choice family in 2017 after working for 10+ years in the non-profit sector. Sara has worked with adults and youth on career and educational exploration, attainment, and retention. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s in Youth Development from Michigan State University. Sara is passionate about creating and ensuring safe, empowering, and intentional places for children to learn and grow academically and personally. Sara enjoys working for Choice because she aligns with the organization’s goal of the overall well-being of the students being the highest priority. Sara will lead the human resources team assigned to the academy to develop & execute human resource best practices to ensure school leaders and employees are served well, happy, and healthy.
Robert Holst
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Director of School Finance
Robert Joined Choice School Associates in June 2022 as Finance Manager where he provides financial support to our schools. Robert came to Choice School Associates with a dozen years of non-profit finance experience and is very excited to expand his skills and knowledge in school finance. Robert graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management. In his spare time Robert enjoys hiking, camping, traveling and spending time with his family.
Amelia Iracki
Department: Communications
Position:
Graphic Design and Web Specialist
Amelia Iracki is our Graphic Design and Web Specialist. She is a Ferris State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. She is passionate about building engaging narratives to elevate brands and enhance user experiences. Amelia comes to Choice Schools Associates with a wide range of experience, from video illustration and animation to creating various branded print and digital materials for marketing campaigns. She is excited to utilize their skills to positively impact lives by creating memorable and meaningful designs.
Bayleigh Ivan
Department: Communications
Position:
Social Media and Advertising Specialist
Bayleigh Ivan is our Social Media and Advertising Specialist. She leads our social media, advertising and branding efforts at Choice. She previously worked at Grand Valley State University, where she served as a social media graphic designer, and brings with her a tall list of multi-faceted experiences in design throughout many industries. Bayleigh has great experience in child care and children’s services, which will support our student-focused lens through her creative designs. She will support the academies by designing, creating, and coordinating brands so they are both visually and emotionally appealing to all of our audiences.
Amanda Konopaska
Department: Academic Excellence
As the Director of Montessori Education and Development, Amanda works with both the Area Superintendent and Academic Excellence Team for Choice Schools Associates. As an undergraduate, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Wayne State University and a Masters in School Principalship with a concentration in Charter School Leadership from Central Michigan University. Additionally, she also holds an Elementary II Credential from the American Montessori Society and has had formal training for Elementary I. Amanda’s Montessori journey began in 2009, as an Upper Elementary classroom teacher and emerged into leadership where she took on both active and interim Principal roles for two Montessori academies. Currently, she is the program coordinator and trainer of our Montessori Experience for all new teachers and works directly with Instructional Coaches at multiple academies.
Nicole MacEachron
Department: Communications
Position:
Director of Talent Communications
Nicole MacEachron is our Director of Talent Communications, and leads all communication for new and current employees. She joined the Choice Schools family in January 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Biology from Grand Valley State University. Prior to coming to Choice, she worked at Annis Water Resources Institute as a technical assistant. Coming from a background of diverse interests. Her role is to lead, develop and coordinate the organization’s highly impactful internal and external branding and communications plans for employees.
Julia Maharry
Department: Human Resources
Originally from Illinois, Julia moved to Michigan to attend Grand Valley State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies and a minor in Psychology. Previously, she worked as a patient care administrator and medical biller/coder in Holland. Julia is passionate about learning and is excited to return to the education field. Outside of work, you can find her listening to podcasts and catching up on TV shows and movies while snuggling with her two cats, Pangur and Enzo. In her spare time, she enjoys attending hockey games and playing tennis whenever she can.
Sarah Maurer
Department: Academic Excellence
Position:
State and Federal Programs Specialist
Lauri McCollum
Department: Communications
Lauri McCollum is our Director of Pupil Accounting and Enrollment. Lauri will oversee pupil accounting, attendance, and enrollment processes. Lauri has over ten years of experience in charter school pupil accounting and compliance. She started her career in the business office at Wayne State University and then worked at a charter school, and most recently in the Central Office of a management company. Lauri earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University. Lauri will support the enrollment processes, systems and tracking, office manager coaching, pupil accounting, attendance, and customer service.
Emily McKenzie
Department: Communications
Position:
Communications Coordinator
Emily McKenzie graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and Dance and a minor in Advertising & Public Relations. Before Choice, Emily pursued customer service and dance education, and gained experience in content creation and social media management. With a passion for youth advocacy, collaboration, and building meaningful connections, she is excited to assist with enhancing Choice Schools’ communications efforts with a student-focused approach.
Laura Moellering
Position:
Superintendent
Laura Moellering has spent nearly all of her career in education working in charter schools. She started her career with Choice in May of 2017. Starting her journey as a High School English and Psychology teacher, she moved into leadership roles first as a Curriculum Director and then as a charter High School Principal. After that, Laura moved to a Central Office position where she oversaw curriculum and instruction and mentored school leaders within a diverse portfolio of charter schools.
She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at Eastern Michigan University, and it was during her master’s program in Curriculum and Instruction that Laura truly came to appreciate the opportunity that charter schools presented for students and families who desired a different educational experience. Laura finds great satisfaction in designing programs that met student’s educational and emotional needs.
She is excited to be with Choice where she is able to be part of a community that genuinely respects families and believes in every student’s ability to achieve at high levels. When she isn’t engaged in work, she can be found on Lake Michigan, ideally with one of her three daughters, or curled up with a good book or podcast.
Kristin Molyneux
Kristin Molyneux serves as our Chief of Academic Excellence and Director of Environmental Education. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring exceptional academic programming and resources across all our schools. Kristin’s responsibilities encompass various facets of academics, including curriculum development, instruction, mentoring, professional development, communication of Character Choices, support for preschool programs, curriculum analysis, testing support, data analysis, and compliance with the Teacher and Administrator Evaluation system. She joined the Choice Central Office Team with a background in teaching. In 2004, she was a kindergarten aide at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, and then she took a teaching position at the Academy and taught middle school for eight years. In 2013, Kristin became Choice’s Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, and in June of 2022, she became Senior Director of Academic Excellence and Environmental Education. Kristin graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as her Educational Specialist Degree from Central Michigan University with her Central Office Administrative Certificate.
Shatara Morris
Department: Executive Leadership
Shatara is our Director of Compliance & Board Governance. She serves as a gatekeeper within the organization by managing multiple projects that relate to the operations of the company and the school boards we serve. She values Choice Schools’ core principles and values the integrity, service, and support that we provide to the schools we manage. She provides board governance and compliance oversight to all Choice Academies. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and a Master in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
Kurt Naber
Position:
Superintendent
Kurt has lived a life of serving kids in charter schools. He started his career teaching in 2001 at a charter school in Big Rapids. After serving as a middle school and high school math teacher and a K-8 principal and executive director, he has come to Choice with an enthusiasm to lead our classical schools. He has joined our area superintendents team starting in July of 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University and his masters from Jones International University.
In Kurt’s spare time, he loves spending time with his wife Kathy and 2 sons (both of whom are attending WMAES).
Katie Nykamp
Department: Human Resources
Position:
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Katie joined the Choice family with over 14 years of experience in early childhood and holds an associates degree in child development. She is passionate about serving others and exudes Choice’s core values in her everyday work.
Outside the office, you can find Katie enjoying the summer weather with family, camping, riding her side-by-side, or out on the lake. In the winter months she enjoys watching the Detroit Lions, and always enjoys a good book and running.
Ashtyn Overweg
Department: Executive Leadership Support
Position:
Executive Assistant to CEO
Ashtyn Overweg is our Executive Assistant. She joined the Choice Schools Central Office Team in May 2019. She received her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Ashtyn supports the executive leadership team within Choice Schools. She will be a project owner and manager for key initiatives designed to support the academies.
Carrie Paddock
Department: Academic Excellence
Position:
Director of Literacy
Carrie Paddock is our Director of Literacy. She graduated from Manchester University in N. Manchester, IN, with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She went on to receive her Master’s in Education with an emphasis in curriculum from Indiana Wesleyan University. She taught elementary for eight years in Indiana prior to moving to Michigan. In 2005, she took an elementary position at Creative Technologies Academy, a charter school in Cedar Springs. During her time there, she obtained her K-12 Administrative Certificate in 2013 and became the Principal for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for her last five years at CTA. Her mission is focused on providing support to schools that increase the effectiveness of the instruction happening in the classroom, with a specific focus on all students reading at or above grade level.
Hannah Paddock
Department: Executive Leadership Support
Position:
Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff
Hannah will be graduating from Davenport University with a bachelor’s of Business Administration in December 2024. She worked at Davenport University as a student worker for over two years in the athletic department, working alongside the athletic director and the business manager. During her time there, Hannah kick started sports marketing for football, basketball, and other sporting events. She played a crucial role in team travel planning and organizing. In addition, back in 2020, she started her own online boutique that offers a variety of Western and agricultural items. She showed pigs at the state and national level for 11 years. Hannah is recently engaged and will be getting married in September 2025.
Cheryl Paull
Position:
Superintendent
Cheryl Paull has been with Choice Schools since 2009, joining the central office team in October of 2022. She serves in the role of Superintendent for the K-12 Scholar Model. Cheryl has two masters degrees one in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the other in Educational Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on vacation and cooking. Prior to joining the central office team, Cheryl was a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator and school leader at all educational levels.
Mandy Patouhas
Department: Academic Excellence
Position:
Director of State and Federal Programs
Mandy Patouhus is our Director of State and Federal Programs. Mandy offers support to the various schools of Choice in regard to Title I, Title II, 31A, school improvement documentation, homeless populations, and compliance with state and federal requirements. She will manage and drive the programs related to federal grants and state-level programs so that those dollars and plans can positively impact student outcomes. She is a graduate of Ohio University with an undergraduate degree in Organizational Communication. Mandy also received her teaching certificate and master’s degree from Wayne State University. After a brief career in Organizational Development, Mandy spent many years as a secondary English and speech educator.
Kelsey Peterson
Department: Communications
Position:
Director of Communications
Kelsey Peterson is our Director of Communications. She leads our storytelling, engagement, and parent communication efforts. She joined Choice Schools Associates in June 2020. She previously worked at SeyferthPR, where she specializes in community engagement and strategic communications planning as an assistant account executive. She is a graduate of Hope College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Communications and Political Science. Her role is to implement, engage and coordinate communication strategies that align with the schools’ and Choice’s growth and brand goals.
Danielle Prince
Department: Academic Excellence
Yolanda Ramirez-Salto
Department: Executive Leadership Support
Position:
Administrative Assistant
Yolanda Ramirez-Salto is our Administrative Assistant supporting the entire Central Office team. She is a bilingual professional who has a heart for service and is passionate about social justice. Yolanda has a background in social work and it has always been her career aspiration to be in a profession where she can help others.
Yolanda values family and when not at work, she enjoys reading, being around horses, playing volleyball and spending time with friends.
Jennifer Shiels
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Director of School Finance
Jennifer Shiels joined the finance team at Choice Schools Associates in June 2019. In this role she supports the budget process, assists with grant management, compliance handles the financial reporting function and facilitates external audits for the charter schools.
Jennifer graduated from Central Michigan University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and minors in finance and legal studies. From there she pursued a career as a public accounting professional with Deloitte, obtaining her Certified Public Accountant license in 2010 and gaining experience performing single audits on charter schools across the Midwest. Since leaving public accounting in 2012 Jennifer has ventured into several industries bringing budgeting and financial reporting experience from wealth management, not-for-profits, hospitality and wholesale food distribution companies.
Jennifer graduated from Central Michigan University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and minors in finance and legal studies. From there she pursued a career as a public accounting professional with Deloitte, obtaining her Certified Public Accountant license in 2010 and gaining experience performing single audits on charter schools across the Midwest. Since leaving public accounting in 2012 Jennifer has ventured into several industries bringing budgeting and financial reporting experience from wealth management, not-for-profits, hospitality and wholesale food distribution companies.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids camping, hiking and biking. She also values maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeks to incorporate healthy eating along with being active. Jennifer resides with her family in West Michigan.
Caryn Slater
Department: Executive Leadership
Position:
Chief of Staff
Caryn Slater is our Chief of Staff. Caryn is passionate about developing the cross-functional connective tissue in an organization by aligning people to the strategy and getting the organization to work in harmony to achieve its ambitious goals. She will partner with school leadership and academy boards through strategic planning, creation, and implementation with a caring and understanding disposition that supports success. She comes from the non-profit sector. She has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Kuyper College. She previously worked as a teacher and administrative assistant in an early childhood center, where her love for helping children grow and develop flourished.
Nicholas Stage
Department: Special Education
Position:
Special Education Supervisor
Nick has been with Bradford since 2011 as the Special Education Supervisor and resource room teacher, and has recently joined Choice Schools Associates’ team under the same role in 2023. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in special education and earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Nick’s commitment to student development is unparalleled, and we look forward to seeing his passion for supporting students and staff to reach their highest potential this school year. Nick is intentional in focusing on relationships among staff, students, and stakeholders within the educational community. Nick’s wife, Jessica, also shares his passion for education and focuses on technology integration in the classroom setting. They have a five-year-old son Jonathan who is starting Kindergarten this fall, and a two-year-old daughter, who melts his heart every day. In addition, the Stage family stays busy creating memories outside and enjoying nature as much as possible. A fun fact about Nick is that he was ranked #1 in the Midwest in Rock, Paper, Scissors. He accepted sponsorship and was sent to Las Vegas to compete in the national championship and has competed seven times in the world championships (world ranking #65). If you want to challenge him, feel free to ask, but he will most likely tell you that he “only plays sanctioned matches”.
Rachel Sterchele
Department: Payroll & Benefits
Position:
Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
Rachel Sterchele is our Employee Relations Specialist. Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University, majoring in Advertising and Promotion and minoring in Business Management. As the employee relations specialist dedicated to the academies, Rachel will ensure the effective onboarding process and support of new employees, as well as compliance laws, are adhered to in the collection and retention of employee files, audits, and paperwork reviews. She will provide excellent customer service for company employees by administering human resources policies and procedures that pertain to compliance.
Nicole Tuinstra
Department: Special Education
Position:
Special Education Supervisor
Nicole Tuinstra is our Special Education Supervisor. She started with Choice Schools as the Elementary Special Education teacher at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science and is now the Special Education Supervisor at Choice Schools Associates. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Group Social Studies and Elementary Education and also received her Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities and Cognitive Impairments. Nicole also has the approval to be a Teacher Consultant. Nicole provides exceptional supervision and support to schools regarding the processes, procedures, and requirements of the special education process.
Sarah VanderBaan
Sarah is our Chief of Student Services and Specialized Designed Programs. Her role is responsible for providing leadership and consultative support to school leaders and staff regarding specially designed instruction and be outrageously intentional about making sure students with unique needs are served well. She previously was a middle school Resource Program Teacher and West Michigan Special Education Content Leader. She also worked for Benton Harbor Area Schools and Wyoming Public Schools. Her teaching experience includes early childhood through high school general education and special education. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Learning Disabilities and Early Childhood Education. Sarah received her Master’s in Specific Learning Disabilities from Grand Valley State University. Sarah also received her Educational Leadership-Special Education Administrator endorsement from Grand Valley State University. Sarah lived in Hong Kong for three years and taught at The American School there.
Jacalyn Volkers
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Staff Accountant
Jacalyn brings a wide range of finance experience that enables her to offer support and expertise to the school and corporate finance teams. With a unique journey into accounting, supported by a degree in Social Work, Jaci has developed exceptional people skills, adaptability, and a talent for managing transitions. Most recently, she served as a Senior Accountant at Bradford Company through Robert Half, where she streamlined finance operations and helped her team succeed. She’s now ready to establish long-term roots and make a meaningful impact with Choice Schools. Outside of work, Jaci enjoys crocheting, gardening, and canning her homegrown produce.
Sarah K. Wildey
Department: Executive Leadership
Position:
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah is our Chief Executive Officer. She joined Choice Schools Associates in 2001 as the Director of Human Resources and transitioned to the executive leadership team as Vice President in 2013. Sarah stepped into the role of CEO in 2017, where her main role is to keep the company focused on the culture and values that have given Choice Schools a strong track record of success. She oversees all function areas within Choice Schools Associates. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from Brenau University and completed her Master’s degree from the School of Business at Michigan State University. Sarah is also a graduate of the Educational Policy Fellowship Program from Michigan State University. Sarah is a board member of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (MAPSA).
Tiffany Wilhelm
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Director of Operations
Tiffany Wilhelm is our Director of Operations. In her role, Tiffany is responsible for facilities management, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for all stakeholders. She also spearheads safety initiatives, operational efficiency, transportation logistics, and meal services. With her strong leadership and attention to detail, Tiffany plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and the overall well-being of our community. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Francisco State University. She previously served as an Executive Assistant and Special Projects Manager at a public school district in California. She also holds a California multiple subject (K-8) teaching credential, which she renewed during the pandemic to help with teacher shortages when needed. Education for all is important to her, and she loves connecting with students and finds that she serves their success best from the central office.
Geoff Yelen
Department: Finance & Operations
Position:
Director of School Finance
A graduate of Grand Valley State University with degrees in accounting and business management, Geoff brings over 11 years of experience in charter school finance and a passion for supporting students. He lives in Brighton with his wife and two sons and enjoys watching his boys play sports, taking road trips, and spending time at the family cottage.
Our partners’ perspective
I could not be happier, prouder, more grateful, amazed, awestruck and relieved by our decision to partner with Choice Schools Associates to operate Ivywood Classical Academy. What an adventure this school has been. Every curveball that came our way we managed to HIT OUT OF THE PARK, thanks to our amazing partnership we have built with Choice. I recommend Choice Schools to anyone who is looking for a trustworthy, competitive, experienced, and mission-driven organization. They are simply the best.”
- Tyler Horning, Founder and Board President at Ivywood Classical Academy