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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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!
