Our Team

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. 

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.