Our Expertise

Education Operations Advisors boasts a team with diverse experience in both public and private education operations. Our staff has held various roles, ranging from Directors of Business, Operations, Transportation, Facilities, and Safety to CEOs, Presidents, and Vice Presidents of private organizations. This wealth of experience enables us to comprehend your work, assess your needs, create actionable plans, and support implementation. Our collective expertise allows us to analyze issues from multiple perspectives, resulting in sustainable solutions for complex challenges.

At the core of Education Operations Advisors is our commitment to serving customers of all sizes. With extensive experience working with public school districts, public charter schools, and private institutions, we are well-equipped to understand your unique challenges. Recognizing that every school community has its own identity, our consulting approach is tailored to meet the specific needs and values of each institution. We believe that change and improvement can occur without losing the essence that defines a community.

Meet the Team

At Education Operations Advisors, we understand that every venture begins with a spark of inspiration. Whether you are on the brink of launching a new business, transforming a cherished hobby into a revenue-generating entity, or bringing a creative project to life, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.

Our team comprises seasoned professionals with diverse expertise in entrepreneurship, education, and operational management. We are committed to collaborating with you to refine your ideas, develop actionable plans, and implement effective strategies that resonate with your target audience.

Our Expertise Highlights

  • Business Development: Our experts provide guidance on market analysis, business planning, and growth strategies to ensure your new idea thrives in a competitive landscape.

  • Creative Strategy: Our creatives focus on branding, content development, and marketing strategies tailored to showcase your unique vision and engage your desired audience.

  • Operational Excellence: Our operations specialists streamline processes and enhance efficiency, helping you to focus on the core aspects of your business or project while we handle the logistics.

Together, we can turn your vision into reality. Let’s embark on this journey to success and innovation, beginning with the great idea you have in mind.

  • Senior Advisor

    Chelaine M. Crego has had a distinguished career in the student transportation industry, serving as the General Manager for Northstar Bus Lines and American Student Transportation from 2014 to 2023. Her roles extended beyond general management, as she also undertook responsibilities as a trainer, Charter Manager, and Terminal Manager, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the field.

    In her capacity as General Manager, Mrs. Crego was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the companies. Her work required strict compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by regulatory agencies and school districts. Ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures was a crucial part of her role, as it guaranteed that the behavior within the organization aligned with the company’s standards of conduct.

    Chelaine's passion for the student transportation business is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to foster strong customer relationships. These qualities, combined with her skills in meeting deadlines and understanding her customers' needs, have significantly contributed to her success in the industry.

    In recognition of her contributions, Chelaine was honored with the prestigious Holly Hoglund Klein Memorial Award in 2022. This accolade highlights her impact and dedication to student transportation.

    Even in retirement, Chelaine remains an influential figure in student transportation. She serves as a member of the Advisory Council for Minnesota on Traffic Safety, representing the Minnesota Association of Pupil Transportation (MAPT). Her ongoing engagement with traffic safety initiatives underscores her commitment to student transportation beyond her professional tenure.

    Chelaine holds an Associate of Arts in Business Management, alongside certificates in Training and Development and Human Resource Management. Her educational background provided a strong foundation for her career achievements.

    Outside of her professional life, Chelaine is a self-proclaimed all-around sportswoman. She enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren, reflecting her family-oriented values and love for an active lifestyle.

    Chelaine M. Crego's career is a testament to her dedication and impact on the student transportation industry, and her ongoing contributions continue to influence the field positively.

  • Operations Advisor

    Nick has extensive expertise in transportation routing and efficiency, bus service procurement and assessment, and systems change management in response to expansion or contraction. His skills also encompass transportation finance and the overall management of effective transportation operations.

    In addition to his foundational knowledge, Nick's experience uniquely qualifies him to navigate complex situations involving diverse learners, including students with special needs, those experiencing homelessness, and individuals requiring specialized care and treatment. His comprehensive perspective, shaped by experience in both the public and private sectors, ensures that your needs are evaluated thoroughly, leading to a broad array of options and solutions, regardless of the challenges faced.

    Recognized for his expertise, Nick is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences such as the School Transportation News’ STN Expo and has collaborated with various state and federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency. He has provided expert testimony for Minnesota legislative committees on transportation and education policy, and currently serves on the Minnesota Advisory Council on Traffic Safety, advocating for enhanced student transportation safety.

    Nick is a forward-thinking leader committed to improving pupil, school, and contractor experiences through the implementation of new technologies and sustainable practices. He has spearheaded initiatives to evaluate electric school buses, develop improved systems for reporting school bus stop arm violations, and champion the use of artificial intelligence to enhance driver safety.

  • Marketing Advisor

    Saundra Matchette is a Marketing Specialist with over ten years of experience in the field. She graduated from Hamline University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. In addition to her marketing expertise, she has made significant contributions to business development and has assisted numerous startups. Her areas of specialization include branding, internal and external marketing, communications, content creation, and social media.

    Outside of her professional pursuits, Saundra enjoys country music, running, and traveling. Most notably, she is passionate about football, particularly Fantasy Football and the Minnesota Vikings. SKOL!

  • Facilities Advisor

    Cory Albers holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He also possesses an MPCA Class A/B operator license for Underground Storage Tanks and has been involved in the transportation industry since 2001.

    Throughout his career, Cory has gained extensive experience managing various aspects of facilities and fleets. His specializations in building projects range from initial design and layout to a deep understanding of their construction, encompassing everything from the ground up to daily maintenance and upkeep. His portfolio includes numerous successful projects involving the conversion of facilities for diverse uses.

    Cory's fleet expertise covers up to 415 units, complemented by his own CDL.

    Outside of work, Cory enjoys spending quality time with his wife and son, as well as pursuing hobbies like snowmobiling, working on hot rods, and deer hunting

Evaluate. Optimize. Achieve.

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Evaluate. Optimize. Achieve. *

Free Consultation with a K-12 Operations Expert

A complimentary operations call with EduOps will take under an hour. During this session, one of our advisors will lead you through discovery questions to better understand your organization, your objectives, and your potential opportunities. Following this, we will provide you with suggeste