Our Team

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.