The humans behind your human resources team

Michelyn co-founded Stratus HR (originally “Innovative Staffing”) in 1999. She’s a philanthropist and a real estate investor, with previous PEO experience of leading nationally recognized Professional Staff Management. When not at work, you may (or may not) find Michelyn traveling the world.

John learned at an early age the value of hard work, forming his first company before his 18th birthday. He co-founded Stratus HR (originally “Innovative Staffing”) in 1999 and has an established reputation for his expertise, work ethic, and love for traveling.

Chase is a CPA with a master’s degree in accounting and brings new meaning to the word "busy." He was originally hired in 2012 as our Controller, then was promoted to CFO in 2016 and named President/COO in 2024. As a dedicated fitness fanatic, Chase has competed nationally in the Crossfit Games and yet has even more passion for his kids.

Celeste is a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and has worked in the PEO industry since 1998. She first joined the Stratus team in 2003 and has created remarkable relationships with her clients and colleagues over the years. While she deserves the recognition every year, Celeste will forever hold the title of our company's first ever Employee of the Year.

Colin first came to Stratus in 2003 and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He was initially hired as the Director of Human Resources and is now the VP of HR. In addition to servicing clients and managing our internal HR team, Colin is the levelheaded mentor who knows how to add just the right amount of humor to completely change an otherwise stressful situation.

Darci joined the Stratus team in 2014 and was our Controller before being promoted to Chief Financial Officer. She has a master's degree in accounting and shamelessly admits that "crunching numbers is fun!" Darci enjoys spending any free time traveling with her family and bringing along her beloved fur babies whenever possible.

Stacey first joined Stratus HR in 2003 as a Human Resources Consultant and now has the additional title of Director of Human Resources. She's a SHRM Senior Certified Professional in HR (SHRM-SCP) and the reason her clients would never consider leaving Stratus. When not at work, you might hear Stacey at one of her children’s sporting events.

Mark came to Stratus in 2019 with an extensive resume of software experience that included 25+ years of building successful consulting companies, IT teams, and software developments. With his heart at the University of Utah and his family providing the fuel to his fire, Mark is at Stratus to take our HR technology to the next level.

Marlana came to Stratus in 2012 with 20+ years in accounting and a degree in Business Administration. She's the best Tax & Compliance Manager in the West and loves spending time with her family (including her pups). In her free time, Marlana is game for a round of golf or camping if she’s not out traveling the world.

Stephanie Lyon, SHRM-CP and Business Development Consultant, joined Stratus HR in 2017 after working more than 13 years as a sales manager. Stephanie's background provided firsthand experience for implementing successful business strategies and HR initiatives to meet company objectives, which has naturally led to her role of advising companies with their human capital needs. Stephanie has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is a Community Organizer for 1 Million Cups, an organization that engages entrepreneurs in communities around the nation.

Brad has been a certified Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) since 2010. While he originally joined Stratus in 2006 as an HR Consultant, Brad is now a board-certified attorney who works as our in-house counsel. Outside of work, you might spot Brad at a sporting event or wearing his golf knickers on the fairway.

Natalie, SHRM-CP, joined our team in 2018. She's a Penn State grad with a mouthful of concentrations like Labor and Employment Relations, Human Resources, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and TV Binge-Watcher. When not in Puerto Rico spending time with her family, Natalie loves to explore all around Utah.

Laura has been with Stratus since 2015. Along with being a Master of Human Resources, Laura is a master of communicating and provides her clients with world-class customer service. She can really cut some rug on the country swing dance floor and enjoys musical theater in between motorcycle rides.

After exploring professions like dental assisting and illustration, Averie fell in love with human resources. She went back to school to receive her bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a minor in HR prior to joining Stratus in 2021. While she’s a sucker for puppies, coffee, and art tutorials with Bob Ross, Averie has a competitive side that is quickly discovered on the rugby field.

Joey has been with Stratus since 2001. Beyond being our in-house Safety Expert and the reliable go-to who willingly jumps into any project, Joey handles a huge variety of tasks and is the reason Stratus HR is a well-oiled machine. Outside of work, Joey enjoys chasing powder in the winter and rapids in the summer.

Kim first came to Stratus in 2003. She's a Certified Payroll Professional with loads of PEO and payroll experience. When not providing clients with accurate and timely services, Kim plays chauffer for her kids and can be found cheering (loudly) at their ball games, recitals, and drama performances.

As one of three original staff members who has been with Stratus from the very beginning, Amanda can fill in with anything, anywhere. While her expertise lies with coaching clients on proper terminations, her dream job would be helping people plan vacations all day long.

Sam came to Stratus HR in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, a master’s degree in HR, and 6+ years in management/HR under his belt. He relies on Red Bull and punk music to keep up with his active outdoor lifestyle on the weekends and is a sucker for eating messy things with his hands (wings, anyone?).

Clay Kelley has been in the human resources outsourcing business since 1985 and joined Stratus in 2023 after working for several years as a fractional CRO. He's a Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-SCP) and was the very first recipient of Human Resources Outsourcing Today Magazine’s “Superstar” in their Advisor Category. Clay served on the board for The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) for two terms 2016-2020 and is currently the Co-Chair for NAPEO Gives Back, the philanthropic arm of the NAPEO. Clay is the author of three books and has contributed over 90 articles for industry trade publications.

Hebe joined Stratus HR in 2024 as a Benefits Specialist. While her professional background includes Provider Services, Quality Assurance, Network Management, and Insurance, she moonlights as a professional hobby jumper. From crocheting and zoo keeping to drywalling and installing cabinets, Hebe is the model poster child for Skillshare and other DIY platforms.

Robin has been with Stratus since 2012. With a background in both human resources and accounting, she makes your visit to our office a pleasure. When she's not juggling phone calls, handling paperwork, assisting employees, or ensuring the office has everything it needs, Robin loves doting on her husband and two adorable dogs.

Makenzie first joined Stratus as an HR Consultant back in 2009. She then became the Benefits HRIS Manager in 2015 and now directs the Benefits Department with her endless energy and charisma. As a multi-talented problem solver, Makenzie has the graceful knack of making everyone she meets feel valued. She loves her boys and cheering on her beloved Utes.

Aaron joined Stratus in 2010 and is the backbone of our payroll team. He’s the first person to offer help and is always willing to add to his schedule with a minute’s notice. With a pocket full of useless trivia and quick wit, Aaron can lighten the mood with the perfect joke or quote for ANY occasion.

Kristen first joined Stratus in 2011 with a background in film making. Now she has her hands in about everything with every department, from events and HR technology to employee trainings and mobile app design. When Kristen isn't spearheading a pivotal project, she can be found bagging peaks and taking pictures to prove it.

Carlos came on full-time with Stratus in 2023 after working as a consultant for several years. He has a degree in industrial engineering but discovered a true passion for his minor (marketing) shortly after graduating to where he now gets excited about marketing trends, branding, and making data-driven decisions. When not engrossed in his work, Carlos can be found yelling at his favorite Formula 1 (F1) racer or traveling somewhere new.

Christie came to Stratus in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, a minor in art, and raw talent for fashion and design (you should check out her handbag collection!). Between her management background and her expertise in kickboxing, Christie is a force to be reckoned with in our HR department --- until you offer her a warm chocolate chip cookie.

Jaxon Davis joined our payroll team in 2024 with previous work experience as a payroll clerk and loads of passion for helping people. He’s en route to earning his B.S. degree in Human Resource Management and would love to have a Bernedoodle as his study partner. In his free time, Jaxon enjoys photography and baking but is more likely to only have time for a late night McD’s run.

Adam came to Stratus HR in 2020 with over 15 years of doing everything possible in the IT field – particularly helping SaaS companies run and grow. In his free time, you might find Adam biking in Southern Utah’s red rocks, taking pictures of his latest hike, or dancing around the house to blasting loud music (sorry, Adam’s neighbors).

Brittney DeSplinter joined our HR team in 2022 with a master’s degree in Human Resources Management, a bachelor’s degree in Human Development, and 13+ years of work experience in customer service. She’s a self-proclaimed coffee and makeup fanatic who enjoys driving with the windows down while singing at the top of her lungs.

Ashley came to Stratus HR in 2023 with 15+ years of general business management experience in various industries looking for a new challenge. While she’s an in-house zookeeper at home with two handfuls of pets (not to mention her 3 boys), Ashley is fascinated by all things numbers and loves a good adventure.

Jesus joined our team in 2023 with an impressive background in System Admin and Web/Software Development. He’s passionate about the end-user’s experience and keeps his mind going with escape rooms and board games in his downtime. While Jesus works as a Software Engineer, he moonlights as his own auto (car/truck/boat) repairman and competes at national level tournaments for a trading card game.

Taryn Shumway came to Stratus HR in 2022 with a solid background in customer service and a passion for helping others. She’s a diehard Jazz fan (even has two dogs named after Jazz players), loves drinking pickle juice, and prefers crime shows over chick flics.

Allie came to Stratus HR in 2024 with a degree in psychology and a decade’s worth of experience in managing customer support and training departments. With roots as a ranch girl and a former collegiate soccer player for the University of Utah and Westminster College, Allie has an impressive work ethic that’s visible on the ski slopes, the pickleball court, and her Fantasy Football league.

Maria came to Stratus HR in 2023 as an Executive Assistant with 20+ years’ experience. She’s a homebody who reads an average of 70 books per year and loves her family, simplicity, and Jesus. If Maria were stuck on an island, all she would need to survive would be an endless supply of green tea… and a library.

Nate joined our Business Development team in early 2024 after working in the title business for 15 years. Despite living in rural Utah where fly fishing is in the backyard and mud pie is not usually something you eat for dessert, Nate has been known to splurge on good seats for a Boston Celtics game.

Sadie joined our software development team in 2023. She has a degree from USU in Computer Science and a passion for solving problems and learning new technologies. When not at work, you might find Sadie loving on her two cats, building Legos, or watching the latest chick flick -- or cat video on Tik Tok.

Mia came to our Benefits Department in 2021 with 22+ years in the insurance industry. Her background experience includes customer service and account management, as well as sales, operations, and compliance. In her spare time, you can find Mia on the dance floor or hiking a trail near her home --- assuming she’s not already busy loving on her grandbabies.

Luke joined our team in 2021 after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Maranatha University and gaining valuable management experience in guest relations, shipping, projects, and accounts payable. When he’s not people watching, Luke enjoys flower arranging, beach volleyball, baking, and burning off extra calories with CrossFit.

Justin has been with Stratus since 2020. He's a professional chef with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a passion for developing performant software. When he’s not cooking up something fancy to eat or developing a new software application, you might find Justin immersed in wood working or sleeping in, depending on what time it is.

Sher has been with Stratus since 2014. With an MBA and an HR background, she helps with all sorts of marketing odds and ends such as articles, newsletters, emails, blogs, ads, and more. When not coaching or supporting her four kids doing all the things, Sher enjoys volleyball, basketball, pickleball, or anything else that distracts her from the fact that she's exercising.

Brian joined our Stratus IT team in 2022 with a certificate in Full Stack Web Development and a solid background in customer service. He dons the bragging rights of leading his high school drumline front ensemble to 3rd place at the WGI World Championships and knows more about rockets than most employees at the Kennedy Space Center.

After working in accounts payable for 12 years, Jessi joined our Accounting Team in 2022. She’s a Disneyland enthusiast who owns more glitter eyeshadow than she could possibly use in her lifetime. In her free time, Jessi loves to spend time with her family and dreams of traveling to Europe, although the bulk of her travel these days is to a morning Zumba class.

Matt joined Stratus Agency in 2021 with nearly 22 years in property & casualty insurance. He has extensive experience with risk management and alternative risk programs (captive insurance programs) and has earned both his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and CWCA (Certified Workers Compensation Advisor) designations. In his free time, you’ll find Matt snowboarding in the winter or playing pickleball or a round of golf in the summer. He’s a sucker for Broadway musicals and Celine Dion playlists and prefers his Diet Coke with extra crushed ice and fresh lime.

David joined our team in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and 8+ years of prior software engineer experience. In his free time, David loves visiting national parks and museums and is a sucker for mixing Pepsi with peach and vanilla. He also might be the world’s fastest Oreo eater.

Michelle joined Stratus HR in 2024 with over 20 years of payroll experience and a knack for being organized. Although she comes from a hockey family (go, Colorado Avalanche!), Michelle loves spending time in the warm red rocks of St. George and boating at Lake Powell --- although her true passion is doting on her adorable grandbabies.

Cannon joined our IT team in 2024 after earning his bachelor’s degree in software engineering and working for a couple years as a software engineer. He has a passion for hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park, making his own soap, and finding cheap flights – which inspired him and a friend to create their own site/app, Just Book Cheap.