Maria Dockins, President and CFO

Maria Dockins has worked as a business administrator for over 15 years serving Michigan Charter Schools for the last 10 years. Ms. Dockins has a BA from Michigan State University and serves as the President and Chief Financial Officer for CS Partners overseeing human resources, board reporting, and administrative responsibilities for each charter school. She works with authorizers and the State to insure correct reporting on both fiscal and general administrative matters. As a member of the CS leadership team, Ms. Dockins works with the school leaders in developing school budgets, securing financing and monitoring the day-to-day accounting to insure compliance with Michigan School Accounting practices.

Laura Carpenter, Business Comptroller

Laura Carpenter joined CS Partners in March of 2010. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Business Administration degrees from Michigan State University in 1991 in Professional Accounting. She has worked in the public accounting industry, served as an adjunct instructor at U of M-Flint and owned her own retail store for seven years in Fenton. Her primary responsibilities at CS Partners include audit management and financial statement preparation. She lives in Fenton with her husband and four children and enjoys volunteering at their school. She currently serves on Fenton´s Downtown Development Authority Board and the board of the Fenton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Geoffrey Yelen, Accountant

Geoffrey Yelen earned a dual B.B.A. in Accounting and Business Management from Grand Valley State University. Upon graduating from GVSU, he joined Walgreens Co. as an assistant store manager working at stores in Grand Rapids and Fenton. Transitioning from retail management to public accounting in 2007, Geoff has worked for public accounting firms in Fenton and Lansing where he held positions in corporate accounting, payroll and various tax positions. Geoff joined CS Partners in June 2011 and his primary duties include financial statement preparation, budgeting, and audit support. He and his wife, Rachel, reside in Fowlerville and are avid MSU Spartan football fans.

Suzanne Surdu, Accountant

Suzanne Surdu joined CS Partners in June of 2011. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Oakland University as well as a Master of Music degree from Wayne State University. Prior to joining the accounting staff at CS Partners, she was employed for twelve years at Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings as Finance Officer and Director of Operations. Her duties at CS Partners include financial statement preparation, budgeting and audit support. Also active as a professional musician, Suzanne taught music privately for 14 years and continues an active freelance career performing with various ensembles including Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She resides in Canton with her husband, Dennis.

Nancy Stebbins, Accountant

Nancy Stebbins received a B.S. in Finance from Oakland University, and upon graduation, joined Chrysler Corporation’s Accounting staff. While at Chrysler, Nancy earned an M.B.A. in Finance from Wayne State University, and served in a variety of managerial and analytical roles within the Finance/Accounting organization including Manufacturing, Realty, International Operations, Product Development and Sales & Marketing. Prior to joining CS Partners in March 2011, she worked at Charyl Stockwell Academy. Nancy’s primary duties at CS Partners include financial statement preparation, budgeting and audit support. She lives in Davisburg with her husband and two children.

Kelley Buko, Office Manager

Kelley Buko received a degree in Business Administration from Cleary University in 1983. She then began her career in the title insurance industry. She worked as a title examiner, residential real estate closing agent, construction draw coordinator and branch manager of a title company for 19 years. Kelley also co-owns a heating and cooling company with her husband and acts as its manager. Kelley joined CS Partners in October 2006 as an administrative assistant. As office manager, her duties include facilities management, vendor relations, technology updates, communications, marketing strategies and event planning. Kelley is a life-long resident of Hartland, Michigan where she resides with her  husband.  They have two grown children.  While her children were growing up, she was very active in their schools where she held many leadership positions with various parent teacher organizations.

Sandy Jenkin, Accounts Payable Clerk

Sandy Jenkin joined CS Partners in May 2010 as an Accounts Payable Clerk. Sandy received her Business Marketing Diploma from St. Clair College in 1984. Sandy was raised in Chatham, Ontario and in 1992 moved to Michigan with her husband. While still in Ontario Sandy law clerked a number of years specializing in family law. During her years in Hartland she has enjoyed careers in both the customer service field and more recently specializing in accounts payable and  payroll. She resides in Hartland with her husband Jim, and daughter Emily. She is very active in her local church where she continues to hold leadership positions as well as being involved in her local community.

Teresa Simonds, Administrative Assistant

Teresa Simonds joined CS Partners in October, 2008 as an Administrative  Assistant. Her duties include accounts payable and special project assistant to Maria Dockins. Mrs. Simonds has attended Schoolcraft College to pursue a Child Development degree. Her prior work experience includes banking, administrator, office manager and subbing in her children´s schools. She has also been involved in many volunteer positions in her church, school system and as a coach. She resides in Fenton with her husband, Mike and their four children, Shelby, Billy, Shane and Shaun.

Katie Pettit, Receptionist

Katie Pettit joined CS Partners in September of 2011 as a receptionist. She is currently pursuing her degree in Child Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. Miss Pettit has spent the last five years working retail in a multitude of roles including security, personnel, merchandising and extensive customer service. Her work history and personality make her a wonderful addition to the staff. Katie resides in Fenton with her 3-year old daughter.