At HR People Patch, we don’t just plug in — we integrate, align, and elevate. Our approach is built for real-world business needs: nimble enough for startups, strategic enough for growth-stage companies, and grounded enough to handle the realities of people operations in fast-paced environments.
At HR People Patch, we deliver fractional HR support for growing businesses that need expert people operations — without the full-time overhead.
Led by Nikki Carter — a SHRM-CP certified HR executive with over 20 years of experience — we specialize in scaling, repairing, and elevating HR systems from the inside out. Nikki holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership and has led people strategy across industries including tech, healthcare, cannabis, and nonprofits.
She’s guided teams through hyper-growth, M&A transitions, international expansion, and full compliance overhauls — always with people at the center.
We’re not your traditional HR department.
We’re the People Patch — fast, strategic, and here when you need high-impact HR plugged in and ready to go.
Hi, I’m Nikki Carter—an HR executive with 20+ years of experience helping fast-growing companies build smarter, people-first workplaces. I’ve led global people operations, talent strategy, and organizational transformation across industries like telehealth, cannabis, healthcare, and private equity-backed startups. I’ve had the privilege of working with several PE/VC firms, including Sequoia Capital, TPG, Apollo, Poseidon, and GTCR.
By day, I serve as Head of People at Leafwell, a high-growth telehealth startup operating in eight countries. I lead global HR strategy across compliance, DEI, engagement, performance, and HR tech—scaling systems and teams that support rapid growth. My work has included HRIS implementation, international expansion, and culture-building programs that have measurably improved employee satisfaction.
Before Leafwell, I built and led HR functions at NuEra, 4 Point Consulting, and AMITA Health—standing up entire departments, guiding workforce planning, and leading through change, including mergers and acquisitions. I'm especially passionate about helping founders and executive teams translate vision into culture and process that actually works.
I hold an MBA with a focus in HR & Organizational Leadership, and I’m SHRM-CP certified. I’m also fluent in the tech stack that keeps modern people teams running—tools like Jira, Asana, BambooHR, Greenhouse, and more.
Through HR People Patch, I offer fractional HR leadership to startups and scaling teams that need expert support—without the full-time overhead. Let’s plug in the patch and get your people operations where they need to be.
Hi, I’m Austin Carter—a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist with a knack for building strong teams and creating seamless, positive hiring experiences. I specialize in high-volume recruitment for government contracts, partnering closely with hiring managers to find the best talent while keeping everything compliant and running smoothly.
I’ve spent years in sales and customer service, where I learned how to listen closely and make real connections. Those skills have been invaluable in recruitment, helping me understand both candidates' needs and what employers are really looking for.
I’m also a proud U.S. Army Vet, having served a tour in Qatar in 2020. My time in the National Guard taught me how to lead, adapt, and work effectively under pressure. These are all skills that continue to help me excel in fast-paced recruitment environments.
Through HR People Patch, I provide fractional talent acquisition leadership to startups and growing teams that need expert recruitment support—without the full-time overhead. Whether you're scaling fast or refining your hiring strategy, I can help you bring in the right talent and build a solid foundation for your team’s success. Let’s plug in the patch and streamline your hiring process to get the best people on board.
Hi, I’m Brooke Schoenholz—a strategic leader in employee experience and talent acquisition, specializing in engagement, retention, and culture-building. I’m proud to have launched and led Deployed Services' first employee experience department, where I scaled hiring operations and implemented people-first initiatives that enhanced workplace success and morale across both remote and onsite teams.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on developing employee engagement programs that foster a positive culture. From creating recognition initiatives to launching peer recognition platforms, I work to ensure employees feel connected and valued. I also mentor and lead recruitment teams, guiding them to improve performance, boost retention, and develop efficient, streamlined hiring processes that reduce time-to-hire by 35%.
In addition to employee engagement and team development, I’ve been dedicated to building lasting relationships with internal teams and external clients to drive brand loyalty and engagement. Prior to my work at Deployed Services, I expanded my skill set in customer-focused sales and relationship management at Varsity Spirit Fashion. I hold a BA in Mass Communications with a focus on Public Relations from Lindenwood University.
We understand that no two businesses are the same. That’s why every client receives personalized HR support designed to fit their unique goals, challenges, and growth stage.
Our customized approach ensures you get exactly what you need — nothing more, nothing less.