Team Walpole
Founder
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 and the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara. Jean is also the past president and current member of the ASWA. Some of Jean’s hobbies include traveling, hiking and spending quality time with her 5 grandchildren.
E-Mail Jean Smith
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 enjoys coaching and spending time with his family.
E-Mail Kirk Stovesand
Partner
Field of Expertise: Individual & Business Tax Services, QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Education: CPA, UCSB/ Business Economics with emphasis in Accounting
Background: Prior to
Email Mary Widiner
Partner
Field of Expertise: Senior Tax Specialist, Individual/Business Audit and Tax consulting, Personal Financial Specialist
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.
Email Yusuf Balogun
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 24 years in public accounting
Email Holly Cramer
Partner
Field of Expertise: Sage 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 kickball.
Email Tom Wahlquist
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 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.
Email Anita Peca
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
Email Connie Porter
Principal
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.
Email John Bostwick
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 graduate from UC Davis with a degree in
Email Greg Heinz
Principal
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,
Email Jason Machgan
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. He is currently working on his Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University 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.
Email Jason Portner
Accountant & Information Systems
Field of Expertise: Accounting, Individual and Business Tax Preparation, Information Systems & Consulting, MAS 90 Sales/Support/Training
Education: Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate UNiversity, BA in Business Economics from UCSB with emphasis in Accounting
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. He is considered by many of his peers as a tax preparation wizard as well as an IT wizard. Luis enjoys golfing, fishing, cribbage and playing black jack in his spare time.
Email Luis Pelayo
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.
Email Elena Bello
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.
Email Monica Arnold
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 moved back home and is spearheading the Walpole operations in Fresno, Santa Maria and Bakersfield. 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.
Email Justin Roberts
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
Email Donna Sedillo
Accountant
Field of expertise: Business and Individual Tax Compliance and Tax Planning, Merger and Acquisition Consulting and Compliance, Family Business Consulting
Education: BS in Business from Emporia State University, CPA
Background: Jason relocated to Santa Barbara in 2001 from Kansas City. Jason has 17 years of experience in all areas of taxation and has served clients in the manufacturing, distribution, service, wholesale and retail industries. With experience both in private and public accounting he brings comprehensive solutions to businesses. In his spare time Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and two rambunctious boys.
Email Jason Janzen
CPA, MBA
Field of expertise: Taxation, Auditing, Review and Compilation
Education: CPA, Masters in Accounting (MAcc) – Financial Reporting and Auditing, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) – Management Information System
Background: Rajju has MAcc and MBA from Bowling Green State University. Rajju’s previous experience is with another local Santa Barbara CPA firm for more than 4 years in the filed of taxation, auditing, review and compilation; and with one of the largest bank for more than a year and half in their tax operations department. Rajju enjoy watching and playing soccer, walking on the beach and traveling in his spare time.
Email Rajju Bajracharya
Full-charge bookkeeper and registered Tax Preparer
Field of expertise: Accounting and Bookkeeping
Education: BS in Accountancy
Background: Gloria grew up in Lompoc California, graduated from Cabrillo High School and is a graduate of Cal State University, Sacramento with a BS in Accountancy. Gloria has worked several years in the Non-profit arena and then the Hospitality arena. Gloria has entered the firm as a full charge bookkeeper and is also knowledgeable in income tax preparation. Recently relocated from Hawaii, Gloria has two children and four granddaughters, and is passionate about travel, music, yoga and life.
Email Gloria Purter
Accounting Services
Field of expertise: Accounting
Education: B.S. in Business Administration with Emphasis in Finance and Human Resource at Cal State University, Long Beach.
Background: Prior to joining Walpole, Emily’s has worked in the engineering industry as a project accountant for over ten years. Assisted in project budgets/tracking and provide project status to regional managers. After years of projecting accounting, Emily’s passion to learn tax preparation lead her to enroll in accounting and tax courses at UCSB Extension to further her understanding of tax laws. Emily and her husband take great pleasure in watching their two daughters play competitive sports and musical/theater ensembles. The family is not complete without the loving affection of their three little dogs waiting so patiently everyday to see everyone come home.
Email Emily E. LaChaine
Accountant & Information Systems
Field of expertise: Audit and Attest services, Accounting, Information Systems and Consulting, Individual and Business Tax preparation
Education: CPA.CITP (Certified IT Professional), B.A. in Business Economics, with an emphasis in accounting from UCSB
Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co., LLP, Mark was an audit manager at another local firm. In his 8 years in public accounting, Mark has been involved in auditing some of the areas largest companies. In addition he has experience auditing non-profits, governmental agencies, and employee benefit plans. Mark was born and raised in Nebraska and moved out to the Santa Barbara area to attend college. While in college he met his wife, a Santa Barbara native, who had no problem convincing him to settle down here. In his spare time, Mark enjoys golfing, football, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Email Mark Jackson
Information Systems
Field of Expertise: MAS90/200 support / training, Cost Accounting with emphasis in Manufacturing, JobOps Base, Time Tracker, Field Service and scheduling
Education: BS in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and Finance
Background: Born and raised in the Central Valley. Before coming to join the Walpole team (via acquisition from Integrated Advantage), Layla worked in the manufacturing industry. She started on her path in entry level production control, and was quickly promoted through Operations Manager with emphasis on cost accounting, JIT or just in time, APICS, ISO9000 and Kaizen (reduce/eliminate muda). Her fascination with constantly tying to improve the efficiency and lower costs through consistent improvements carries through to the partners she assists on a daily basis. Whatever spare time she does have is usually spent with her daughter enjoying various activities together from going to the beach, catching a movie, spending time with their animals, or simply enjoying some music.
Accountant
Education: CPA, BS in Accounting and Real Estate Broker's License.
Background: Antoun has been in accounting and business since 1990. Antoun has extensive experience in business management and accounting in a variety of fields such as technology, entertainment, clothing, real estate and medical. Prior to joining Walpole & Co., Antoun worked as a senior accountant in two CPA firms and as a controller for a private corporation. He is knowledgeable in Peachtree, QuickBooks, Lacerte, CFS and AME. At work, Tony enjoys developing and improving client’s accounting systems, attaining the best financial returns for his clients and negotiating on behalf of his clients. In his spare time, Tony takes pleasure in travel, hiking, camping and photography.
Customer Account Manager
Education: BA in Communication and Psychology from UCSB.
Background: Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Matt graduated from UCSB and has continued his coursework in pursuit of becoming a CPA. He comes to us after working at a local bank for four years. His eagerness to learn and easy going attitude make him a great fit here at Walpole. In his spare time, Matt enjoys gaming, soccer, and his family.
Administrative Assistant
Background: Although Heidi grew up in Santa Barbara, her 5 grown children were born on 4 different continents. She enjoys decorating, organizing, party-planning, writing, playing the piano, long walks and spending time with her kids – all of which have honed skills we gratefully utilize as she is an invaluable part of our support team We also appreciate her lively sense of humor!
Email Heidi Brock
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.
Email Barbara Livengood
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
Financial Planning Associate
Field of Expertise: Private Wealth Management
Education: San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Human Movement Studies), Certificate in Business, and Professional Financial Planning Certificate through the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Background: Andrew joins Walpole Financial Advisors with 5 years of banking experience in Retail Banking and Private Wealth Management, including Trust Services. Upon graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Human Movement Studies) and a Certificate in Business, Andrew worked in banking while determining what direction to dedicate his interests. Medicine had come first, however he found a love for all aspects of finance and financial services as it provides many opportunities, challenges and rewards. Andrew is currently a candidate for the Certified Financial Planning (CFP速) designation Born in Los Angeles and raised in Santa Barbara, Andrew continues to reside in Santa Barbara where he enjoys spending his spare time traveling, golfing, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.
Email Andrew Moel
Accountant
Field of Expertise: Individual and Business Tax Services, PEER Review, Financial Statements and Trust Returns.
Education: CPA, California State University Bakersfield - Bachelor of Science with emphisis in Accounting.
Background: Prior to joining Walpole & Co. LLP, David was a partner in Duncan & Duncan CPA's Accountantcy Corp. in downtown Santa Barbara. Before moving to Santa Barbara in 1992 he was a partner in Duncan & Duncan Accountantcy Corp. in Porterville, CA for 16 years. In his spare time he enjoys golf, traveling and spending time with his family. He is also a collector of all things Disney!
Email David Duncan
Administrative Assistant
Field of Expertise: Administrative Assistant
Education: AA in Business Administration
Background: Last child of a family of 13. Born in Mexico. Worked for Duncan and Duncan as administrator assistant/bookkeeper. I enjoy yoga, walks along the beaches and trails of Santa Barbara, movies, family parties, visiting family in Las Vegas and learning Italian.
Email Carmen Corral
CPA, MST
Field of Expertise: Income Tax
Education: Bachelor of Science (Accounting); Master of Science in Taxation
Background: 47 years of practice; 6 years as a staff accountant and 41 years as a principal.
Email Jack Duncan
Administrative Assistant
Field of Expertise: Client Payroll Preparation/Services, Quickbooks
Education: AA in General Studies/Business at SBCC
Background: Born in Santa Barbara; Worked at Duncan & Duncan for almost 25 years (3 months short) as bookkeeper/data entry; Enjoy spending time with family, especially my grandchildren, camping, hiking and baking.
Email Wendy Nomura
Financial Planning Associate
Field of Expertise: Accounting and Finance, Financial Advisor
Education: California Polytechnic State University - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance
Background: Marites grew up in the San Luis Obispo area. She previously worked for Heritage Oaks Bank/Business First Bank, assisting eight branches with operational support and building client relationships in new accounts. Marites is eager to work towards her Certified Financial Planning designation. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, explore new places/things, along with a serious love for cooking. Marites and her husband Josh currently live in Arroyo Grande with four amazing 4-legged kids, two cats and two dogs. They have plans to relocate to the beautiful Santa Barbara area.
Email Marites M. Blair
Information Systems
Field of Expertise: : Information Systems, Consulting, Applications, Support
Education: MS-SQL Server, HTTP – Web Development, Visual Basic, C#, MS Access, Information Technology, WebBase and other technologies and Music, Copy Editing, Copy Writing.
Background: Born and raised in Southern California, Brad spent several years in News Paper Publishing, got interested in Telecom and moved to Santa Barbara to develop custom phone systems. A contact there led him to manage a Real Estate and Management and Maintenance Firm. Finding himself doing all of their IT work it became a simple move to train in IT. Prior to joining Walpole Brad led the technical team and wrote web-database applications for a major educational publishing firm. He has built applications for the County of Santa Barbara, Ameritech (Baby Bell Mid-west), the Board of Realtors and CIT International (Italy) to name a few. Brad makes his home in Santa Barbara, CA where he lives with his wife and three small children. He enjoys spending time with his family and playing guitar and bass in his spare time. He does not get to play much (grin).
Email Brad Bradbury