Human Resources

Jacob Allen

Department: Human Resources, Payroll & Benefits
Position: Director of Payroll
Joining the Choice Finance team in 2013, Jacob lends his expertise as Director of Payroll. He works closely with the finance department, implements/works on the SDS software, and assists our new Choice employees with any payroll needs. Jacob also assists finance and payroll with special projects, and is committed to perfecting audits for Choice Schools and its Academies.

Jacob graduated from Central Michigan University, receiving his B.S. in Business Administration and Economic Theory. A former U.S. Marine, he enjoys spending his time outdoors kayaking, hunting, and gardening. He also spends time on the weekends working on his family’s tree farm in Lake Isabella.

Matt Bazen

Matt Bazen

Department: Human Resources
Position: Chief Human Resources Officer
Matt Bazen is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Choice Schools. Matt has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Human Resources and has held many diverse roles in Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, and, most recently, Director of the HR Business Partner Team. 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.

Outside of work, he and his wife, Katelynn, have four amazing children who keep them happily occupied. His family enjoys spending time near the water or at the beach, engaging in activities like boating, paddle boarding, and simply relaxing shoreside. As a hockey-loving clan, he also cherishes time on the ice. Last but not least, they share their home with Toby, their beloved 10-year-old Great Dane.

Abby Cervone

Department: Human Resources
Position: HR Generalist
Abby joined Choice Schools Associates in 2021 as a Human Resources Generalist. She came to us from another large charter school company, where she worked as a Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant. Abby received her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Human Resources Management with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

She has worked in the education industry of HR for over five years and truly enjoys having a positive impact on our employees and students. Abby enjoys cooking, golfing, and spending time with her husband and two dogs Niko and Nora!

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 joined the Choice family in 2017 after working 10+ years in the non-profit sector. Sara has worked with both 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 company goal of the overall well-being of the students the highest priority. Outside of the office, Sara enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and spending time with her animals. She also loves to travel anywhere with a good beach or where a good adventure could be had.

Stacey Maycroft

Department: Human Resources, Payroll & Benefits
Position: Payroll and Benefits Coordinator
Stacey Maycroft is the Payroll and Benefits Coordinator at Choice Schools Associates, and works to ensure timely and accurate pay for all Choice employees. Stacey earned her bachelor’s degree in corporate & industrial accounting from Baker College of Muskegon.

Before joining Choice, she was a payroll assistant at TrueNorth where she became the “go-to” person for all topics. She assisted with employee benefits and participated in the onboarding process for new staff. Stacey’s daughter encouraged her to apply for the position because she works at New Branches Charter Academy. Stacey and her husband will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this year.

Katie Nykamp

Department: Human Resources
Position: Employee Relations 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.

Rachel Sterchele

Department: Human Resources
Position: HR and Payroll Compliance Specialist
Rachel Sterchele joined our team in 2022 as our new HR and Payroll Compliance Specialist! Rachel earned her bachelor’s degree at WMU, majoring in Advertising and Promotion and minoring in Business Management. A little about Rachel, during the pandemic, she adopted a little black cat named Pepper, who now completely runs her house! In her free time, she loves playing on a softball team each summer, and exploring new hiking trails (if you have recommendations, let her know!). Prior to joining Choice, Rachel spent several years working in healthcare. She is excited to be back in an environment making an impact on the local community. You can find Rachel in the shared HR workspace.