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 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.

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!

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 joins the Central Office team as the Payroll and Benefits Coordinator on the Human Resources Team. Stacey 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 joins 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 Choices’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.

Kishen Newton

Department: Human Resources
Position: Human Resources Generalist
Kishen Newton joined Choice Schools as a Human Resources Generalist serving the Environmental Mode in October 2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her master’s degree of organizational leadership from Cornerstone University. Throughout her 25 years in the workforce, Kishen has experience working in for-profit, non-profit, healthcare, manufacturing, education in organizations with more than 10,000 employees to as few as five.

As a servant leader, Kishen has a passion for making a positive impact on our youth whether directly or indirectly. In her free time, Kishen enjoys writing, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. She is the mother of four adult children and the MiMi of one adorable granddaughter. One fun fact about Kishen is that as a teenager, she was mistaken for a famous person in two different countries. You’ll never guess who! Here’s a hint: Although she used to wear braces, Kishen wasn’t much of a roller skater…