Walpole CPA & Consultants Santa Barbara

Team Walpole

Jean Smith, CPA, CFP, EA

Partner

Field of expertise: Tax Consulting as well as Business/Individual Consulting

Education: CPA, CFP certification from the College of Denver, Enrolled Agent, majored in Nursing while attending Drake University, UCSB and SBCC accounting extension, Golden Gate University Master in Taxation

Background: Jean is the founding partner of Walpole & Co., LLP(founded 1974) and the heart and soul behind our client centric approach. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council, Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara and the Finance Committee of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Jean is also the past president and current member of the ASWA. Some of Jean’s hobbies include scuba diving, hiking and spending quality time with her 5 grandchildren.
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Kirk Stovesand, CPA, CFP, MST

Partner

Field of expertise: Tax Consulting as well as Business/Individual Consulting, Financial Planning Advisor, IT Consulting

Education: CPA, CFP, BA in Business Economics with emphasis on Accounting from UCSB, Master in Taxation from Golden Gate University, Master Certificate in Global Business Management from George Washington University

Background: Kirk arrived in Santa Barbara in 1970 from St. Louis, MO. After graduating from UCSB, Kirk served as the controller for "Your Travel Center" for 3 years, then joined the Walpole family. His clients and co-workers admire his versatility and ability to multi-task with great ease. Always seeking to master a new field, Kirk has been one of the main drivers behind the firm's steady, growing success over the past 3 decades. In his spare time, Kirk enjoy's coaching and spending time with his family.
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Mary Widiner, CPA

Partner

Field of Expertise: Individual & Business Tax Services, QuickBooks ProAdvisor

Education: CPA, UCSB/ Business Economics with emphasis in Accounting

Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Mary served as a staff accountant for 12 years at a large local Santa Barbara CPA firm. In her spare time, she enjoys running, gardening, reading and spending time with her husband at their condominium in Oahu, Hawaii
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Yusuf Balogun, CPA, MST

Partner

Field of Expertise: Senior Tax Specialist, Individual/Business Audit and Tax consulting

Education: BA Political Science UCSB and Accounting Certificate from UCSB Extension, Master in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

Background: Yusuf moved to Santa Barbara in 1985 to attend UCSB. Upon graduation, he worked as an in-house accountant for a local law firm until 1996. He then moved on to a local public accounting firm until 2000 when he decided to join Walpole & Co., LLP. In his spare time Yusuf enjoys playing soccer, traveling and the theater.
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Holly Cramer, CPA

Partner

Field of expertise: Individual, Estate and Trust Taxation

Education: CPA, Post Baccalaureate business degree in Accounting from Cal State Hayward, Estate Planning Certificate from the California Society of CPA’s, Masters Degree in Harpsichord from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

Background: Holly is an experienced CPA with over 17 years experience as a tax manager for a large local Santa Barbara firm. She is an accomplished music enthusiast as well as a talented businesswoman. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Estate Planning Council and American Institute of CPA’s. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, horseback riding and gardening. Holly’s community service efforts include membership to the Planned Giving Committee of LotusLand.
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Anita Peca, CPA / PFS

Accountant

Field of expertise: Tax Consulting as well as Business/Individual Consulting, Auditing

Education: CPA, BA in Psychology from UC Davis, Single Subject and multiple subject Teaching Credentials from UCSB, Accounting coursework from Montana State University; Professional Financial Planning Certificate from UCSB

Background: Anita is one of 5 partners at Walpole & Co., LLP. She moved to Santa Barbara from Bozeman, Montana in 1997. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, California Society of Certified Public Accountants, Beta Alpha Psi National Accounting Fraternity, Santa Barbara Associates, Wilding Art Museum, Lotus land and the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens. Prior to moving to Santa Barbara, Anita worked as a CPA for various public accounting firms in Montana and Santa Barbara. In her spare time, Anita enjoys piano playing, gardening, swimming, backpacking in the Eastern sierra’s and traveling with her husband.
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Connie Porter, EA

Principal

Field of expertise: Trusts and Estates, Partnerships, S-Corps, C-Corps, Financial Statement, Fiduciary Accounting and Income Tax Preparation.

Education: BA in Liberal Studies from UCSB, Enrolled Agent

Background: Connie has been a tremendous asset to Walpole & Co., LLP for over 20 years now and is one of the “go-to” people at the firm. Her diverse set of skills have benefited numerous clients. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a staff accountant for Gunterman, Ball, Thompson. In her spare time, Connie enjoys reading, good movies, gardening, ocean kayaking and snorkeling. She loves cats in general but especially her favorite cat, Joey
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Jean-Luc Bourdon, CPA / PFS

Accountant

Field of Expertise: Personal Finance Services: Financial Planning & Tax preparation

Education: BS in Business Administration with Finance emphasis and Accounting minor from University of Wisconsin.

Background: Jean-Luc was born and raised in Belgium. He settled in Santa Barbara in 1989. Prior to joining the firm, Jean-Luc worked as a senior corporate accountant for Fidelity National Financial (a fortune 500 company) and Kinko’s Inc. Jean-Luc handled financial analysis and reporting for a $400 million securitized portfolio of a large national firm. What better way to describe the man than through his own words: “My work at Walpole allows me to help individuals build a financial path to their goals—that’s a lot of fun.” Jean-Luc volunteers as a mentor for Santa Barbara’s Fighting Back program. He enjoys yoga.
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John Bostwick, CPA

Accountant

Field of Expertise: Business and Individual Tax Services; Accounting and Auditing Services

Education: CPA, A.S. in Math and Science, a B.A. in Business and Human Resources and a Certificate in Accounting.

Background: John’s most recent professional position was as a supervisor for the Tax department of a Santa Barbara accounting firm for over 8 years. Prior to this, he was a manager in the local automotive industry. He enjoys the Santa Barbara life-style, cycling, surfing and water skiing with his wife Alyson and two children Michaela and Kai.
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Greg Heinz, MS

Accountant & Information Systems

Field of Expertise: Accounting, Payroll Preparation, Information Systems & Consulting, MAS 90 Sales/Support/Training

Education: Masters in Accountancy from Golden Gate University, B.S.in Managerial Economics from UC Davis

Background: A recent graduate from UC Davis with a degree in Managerial Economics, Greg decided to come back to his hometown to start his professional career with our firm. He is currently working towards his Master's degree in Accountancy in addition to his full time position at Walpole. In his spare time, Greg enjoys playing tennis, ping pong, golf and poker home games with his friends.
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Jason Machgan, CPA

Accountant

Field of Expertise: Accounting, Audit, Business Consulting, Individual and Business Tax preparation

Education: BA in Business Economics from UCSB, CPA

Background: Jason moved to Santa Barbara in 2004 from Rohnert Park, located in Sonoma County. Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Jason worked for 2 large CPA firm's. Most recently, Jason was a manager specializing in the tax and audit fields in the construction industry for a large CPA firm in the Bay Area. In his spare time, Jason enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, surfing and hiking.
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Danny MacMahon

Accountant

Field of expertise: Accounting, Individual and Business Tax Preparation, Payroll Services, Client Management Services and Quickbooks Support

Education: BA in Business Economics from UCSB with emphasis in Accounting

Background: Prior to moving to Santa Barbara, Danny worked for a family owned tax firm and was also a retail store manager. He is best described here at Walpole as a jack of all trades. His experience as a retail store manager and the diversity of his financial skills have proven to be very beneficial to the firm. In his spare time, Danny enjoys gaming, camping and reading.
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Melanie Neale

Accountant

Field of expertise: Accounting and Payroll Services, Client Management Services and Quickbooks Support

Education: AA in Business Management from the College of the Canyons in Valencia, CA.
Background: Melanie is originally from Washington State and she moved to Santa Barbara in 1993. Melanie has extensive experience in the fields of Payroll services and Bill Pay and is perfecting her Tax services skills. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, gardening, skiing and participating in her book club.
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Jason Portner, CPA

Accountant

Field of expertise: Accounting, Tax and Payroll Services

Education: Bachelor in Business Economics, with an emphasis in accounting from UCSB

Background: Jason was raised in Long Beach, California. Like many before him, he came to Santa Barbara for college, but loved the area and people so much that he made it his home after graduation. In his current position at Walpole, Jason brings an enthusiasm and upbeat attitude that impresses both clients and co-workers. Having passed the CPA exam, he now has the time to enjoy swimming, running and walking his Dachshund along the beaches of Santa Barbara.
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Hilary Brock

Accountant

Field of expertise: Accounting and Payroll Services, Client Management Services

Education: Bachelor in Business / Economics from Westmont College

Background: Raised in Santa Barbara, Hilary almost moved to New York after graduation. Fortunately for our clients, she opted to stay in the area, where she lives with her husband Nathaniel. In addition to a business mind, Hilary has both a passion and a talent for the arts: dance and painting in particular.
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Luis Pelayo, CPA, MST

Accountant & Information Systems

Field of Expertise: Accounting, Individual and Business Tax Preparation, Information Systems & Consulting, MAS 90 Sales/Support/Training

Education: BA in Business Economics from UCSB with emphasis in Accounting, currently enrolled in the Golden Gate University Masters program.

Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Luis was the assistant Controller in the private industry for a post production company in Los Angeles, CA. Considered by many of his peers as a tax preparation wizard as well as an IT wizard, he is currently working on his CPA license. Luis enjoys golfing, fishing, cribbage and playing black jack in his spare time.
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Elena Bello

Information Systems

Field of expertise: Information Systems Consulting, Support and Training

Education: Information Technology, MAS 90/200 – Manufacturing, Distribution, Crystal Reports, FRx, ACCPAC

Background: Having lived in a number of Southern and high-desert cities, Elena is happy to continue living in our coastal climate. Working with the Sage Software ERP product line for over 7 years, Elena ran her own consulting business in the Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach area. Knowing her problem-solving abilities, technical skills and great customer attention, Walpole asked her to join us—fortunately, she accepted. Elena cites the “Walpole culture” as a factor influencing her decision. Elena enjoys playing the guitar, reading, cooking and practicing yoga.
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Monica Arnold

Information Systems

Field of expertise: Information Systems Consulting, MAS90 Support and Training, Crystal reports

Education: Master of Arts in Applied Mathematics from UCSB

Background: Monica was born in Illinois and raised in Ontario Canada. With experience from large local employers, Monica brings to Walpole extensive experience and technical IT skills, as well as a praised customer service dedication. Monica enjoys spicy dishes, quilting, fitness and friends who can tell a good story.
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Justin Roberts

Information Systems

Field of Expertise: Information Systems & Consulting, MAS 90 Sales/Support/Training, CRM Sales/Support/Training

Education: Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a concentration in Management Information Systems, MAS 90 MAS 200 Certified Trainer

Background: Originally from San Luis Obispo, Justin has recently relocated to Santa Barbara. For the last two and a half years, Justin worked for SAGE Software as a Senior Support Analyst for MAS 90 and MAS 200. In his spare time, he enjoys snowboarding, wakeboarding, soccer and riding his mountain bike. His life time goal is to travel and see the world one day.
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Donna Sedillo

Accountant & Information Systems

Field of expertise: Tax Preparation, Client Payrolls and support using QuickBooks, Peachtree and Excel. Business, Individual and Retirement Plan Tax Returns.

Education: BA in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Psychology from San Diego State University, UCSB Extension Accounting Program

Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Donna served as a staff accountant for Jarabin, Gaggs & Hunt LLP and a Revenue Officer for the County of San Diego. In her spare time, Donna enjoys Native American Art, Hispanic American Art of the Southwest and Mexico from the 1500s to the Modern Muralists. She also enjoys collecting various depression era milk glasses, attending Quilt shows, reading Quilt books, scenic photography and the outdoors.
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Tom Wahlquist

Principal, Information Systems

Field of Expertise: MAS 90 Sales/Support/Training - In-House Network Administrator

Education: BA in Business Economics from UCSB with emphasis in Accounting and a History Minor, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Tom was a technical support analyst at BEST Software for roughly 18 months. During his stay at BEST, he developed an in-depth knowledge of the accounting software industry and particularly MAS 90 and MAS 200. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing and playing volleyball. Tom won the Los Angeles Unified School District's 5th Grade Spelling Bee in 1989 and is quite proud of this feat to this day.
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Kathleen Yabsley

Information Systems

Field of Expertise: ACCPAC, ACCPAC HR, SageCRM Sales/Support/Training

Education: Berklee College of Music, North Shore Community College (Liberal Arts), Business Administration – University of Redlands

Background: Kathleen is an experienced IT consultant and we were glad to have her join the Walpole IT Solutions family in 2006. Her resume is impressive indeed, with over 25 years experience in the field of business office solutions and 12 years with Sage ACCPAC serving clients in the Tri-Counties and Bakersfield areas. Kathleen is a Sage ACCPAC Certified Consultant and an ACCPAC HR Certified Consultant.

In her spare time, she loves listening to music, especially singing. She has also performed with Civic Light Operas and choral groups. Kathleen also enjoys good movies, fresh mountain air and sailing.In her own words, her claim to fame would be: "My uncle was an astronaut on the Challenger and he is still with us!"
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Heidi Brock

Administrative Assistant

Field of Expertise: Administrative Assistant

Background: Although she grew up in Santa Barbara, Heidi and her husband (who is pastor of the Oak Bible church) have lived on four different continents, where all five of her children were born. She enjoys decorating, organizing, party-planning, writing, and long walks – all of which have honed skills we will gratefully utilize as she joins our invaluable support team. We also appreciate her lively sense of humor!
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Barbara Livengood

Administrative Assistant

Field of expertise: Administrative Assistant

Background: Barbara's career in customer service spans over 25 years. Some of her past positions include Customer Service Representative; Legal Secretary and Deputy Clerk. She joined the Walpole family in 2001 as part of the Front Desk team. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys visits with her family, reading, movies, travel, and the variety of activities and beauty Santa Barbara has to offer.
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Shelley Hutcheson

Administrative Assistant

Field of Expertise: Administrative Assistant

Education: B.A. in English and B.A. in Psychology from Westmont College

Background: Born and raised in Goleta, Shelley has worked in Administration for over 12 years. She started her career as an Executive Assistant with a local company, relocated to Los Angeles to work in private industry and returned to Santa Barbara in 2003. Shelley has a passion for investing in residential real estate and the accompanying property management. In her free time she enjoys singing, swimming, biking, reading, playing tennis, and spending time with her husband, family and friends.
Email Shelley Hutcheson