Get to know us

I have 18 years of experience with BPEH, the predecessor firm to Ascend. I specialize in real estate, private equity and high net worth individuals/family office. My most significant project is leading the charge to get Ascend up and running and bringing a new generation of accounting services to our clients. I take great pride in being a key member of their team and being available when situations arise. My connection with my clients goes beyond just a professional endeavor. I am invested in the success of each one of my clients on a personal level as well. I am a member of CALCPA, AICPA, Conejo Valley Estate Planning Council (treasurer), Highrise Networks, and Provisors. I love spending time with my young children, coaching local baseball and basketball leagues.

I have 30 years of experience with specialties in real estate accounting, tax, transaction and structuring, as well as estate planning and not for profit including private foundations. In May 1993 I received my undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles). I am a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 1994 I joined BPE&H and was admitted as a shareholder in 2006. I became a tax principal at Krost when the firms merged and am now a founding partner of Ascend. I am a results-oriented consultant who particularly enjoys solving problems and helping people succeed. Helping colleagues and clients succeed, spending time with family and three dogs, working with my hands, hiking and the outdoors are things I enjoy.

I have over 40 years of experience in specialty practice such as real estate, professional service firms, investment companies, operating and purchasing businesses, and business consulting in both tax and accounting. Proudly graduating from the University of Arizona in 1978, with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a Major in Accounting, I went on to receive my CPA in 1981. I worked as a senior auditor for firms based in Los Angeles until 1987, eventually meeting some great colleagues, as manager of Block, Good & Gagerman. In 1988 I joined BPE&H, working as a senior manager, and then becoming a partner. In 2022, merging partners and I became the founding members of Ascend Tax and Business Advisors. I have been married to my lovely wife Leslie for over 40 years, we have two boys, Corey, and Eric. My personal hobbies include the passion of wine collecting, golf, watching professional tennis and Arizona basketball – Bear Down!

Born and raise in Munich Germany I came to the United States to attend college at the University of Arizona. After graduating with a BS in Finance, I moved to Los Angeles for what I thought was going to be a short time. Little did I realize that I would come to love living in this community and serving our wonderful clients. As our clients grew and prospered, I concentrated my efforts in areas that are of critical concern to our clients; structuring buy/sell and merger transactions, estate and business succession planning and sound financial retirement planning. I specialize in taxation of passthrough entities, real estate transactions and personal service companies. My strength lies in truly understanding my client’s goals and aspirations and customizing a plan that fits their specific needs and objectives. I look forward to assisting you and your loved ones in achieving your ambitions.

I have 21 years of experience. My expertise is in real estate financial statements, real estate taxation, taxation of professional services and multi-state partnership taxation. I am detail-oriented and proactive. I am a member of the AICPA and Cal Society of CPAs. I like to cook, go hunting, and enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family. I am currently the Treasurer of Bridge to Home, a nonprofit homeless shelter.

I have over 17 years of experience in public accounting and am a licensed CPA with a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University.

My areas of expertise include federal and multi-state tax compliance and consulting for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, and corporations. I serve clients in various industries including but not limited to the real estate, restaurant, medical, and entertainment industries.

I am passionate about real estate and enjoy helping real estate professionals maximize their wealth and minimize taxes by utilizing complex tax strategies that include the use of 1031 exchanges and cost segregation. I have consulted many real estate professionals and CPAs over the years and have written articles, spoken at CalCPA conferences, and given webinars on the complexities of the interaction between 1031 exchanges and cost segregation.

I am dedicated to helping Ascend be a workplace where its people truly matter and every voice can be heard. I believe that employees who feel appreciated and are happy will care more about their jobs and are more likely to go the extra mile to provide exceptional service to our clients.

Outside of work I love to travel and spend time with my wife and two daughters. I also enjoy rooting for UCLA football & basketball and the Lakers.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois I served in the U.S Navy for 5 years during the Korean War as a Lieutenant. I received my CPA license in 1961 and became a partner in my first firm in 1964. I've now been working in accounting for over 60 years. I have been a partner in my own firm with several clients who have been with me over 50 years. I was married to Barbara for 48 years and have 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

I belong to the Valley Chesters Charity Group. We raise money for several charities including the Junior Blind, etc. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family. I am an avid golfer and belong to a country club. I enjoy reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Upon graduating from the USC masters of business taxation in early 1980’s I joined the firm which was then known as Ernst & Whinney (currently known as Ernst and Young) and worked exclusively in the Century City office’s tax department.

Upon leaving Ernst & Whinney I spent most of my professional career in private industry in such areas as commercial real estate development before re-entering on a permanent basis into public accounting when I joined the predecessor CPA firm of BPEH which merged with Krost CPA’s and lately spun off to form Ascend Financial Services.

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Martin's biography is in the works and will be available shortly. We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore other areas of our site in the meantime.

I have two years of experience and have expertise in processing source docs and Autoflow Technology. I am energetic, hard-working, detail-oriented and organized. Clients can rest assured that each piece of their tax info will be put in process timely and correctly. I love learning new things, traveling, exercising, hiking at sunset, reading contemporary literature and baking “healthy deserts” that only my husband and I appreciate.

I’ve been working as a tax preparer in public accounting for four years, which includes three at Krost and one at BPE&H. I’ve prepared partnerships, S-corporations, and individuals involved in the real estate sector. I’ve created various templates for tax preparers to reconcile income received. I focus on the client and what they are trying to achieve. Asking myself what their goal is or why they are providing a piece of information and trying to determine the best overall outcome. I’m a member of CalCPA since I passed the CPA exam in 2020. In my free time, I like to go to the beach or hike on mountain trails.

For the last six years I have worked in tax in public accounting, primarily on rental real estate. I am goal oriented and task driven in every aspect of my work and personal life. When I’m not working you can find me outdoors enjoying the California weather with my husband and two kids. I enjoy music, audio books, podcasts and volunteering at charities relating to women, children, first responders and military.

I have 18 years of experience and specialize in the real estate industry. I have helped prepare 1031 exchanges for various entities. I am detail-oriented and attentive when working with clients. I am a member of the AICPA and CALCPA. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, spending time with my family, walking with my pet, Koko, and watching sports. I am member of my local Catholic church.

My friends call me Mel, and I work as a Tax Staff at Ascend Tax & Business Advisors, assisting business owners in maximizing tax savings and complying with tax requirements. I am a recent accounting graduate who is now obtaining qualifications to aid clients with tax and legal difficulties. I am a member of the AICPA. Understanding and empathy are two qualities that enable me best to assist my clients with their tax concerns. I am concerned about my clients' achievement and the challenges they may face on a regular basis. This allows us to work as a team, and my clients are treated with the dignity they deserve.  

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and drinking coffee. I also volunteer for the District Attorney's office in the Special Victims Unit, where I assist victims in reintegrating into society following terrible crimes.

I have a total of 7 years of experience in accounting, with 5 of those years being in public accounting and 2 being in industry. Throughout the years, I have gained experience in multiple industries such as: real estate, construction, manufacturing, gaming, entertainment and more. I like to think that I am easy-going, approachable, detail-oriented, and organized. When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, and being active whenever I can.

With over 12 years of expertise in public accounting, my focus centers on serving clients within the entertainment industry, both behind and in front of the camera, as well as high-net-worth individuals and various professional services. In my philosophy, an informed client is an empowered client. Thus, I take pleasure in simplifying complex tax concepts and presenting them in a way that clients can easily grasp.

My ultimate goal is to ensure that each client comprehensively understands their tax situation and possesses the knowledge necessary to make sound financial decisions. My unwavering commitment to responsiveness means that I am readily available to address questions, offer tax planning assistance, and provide guidance on compliance matters, accompanying clients every step of the way. As a member of both AICPA and CalCPA, I am dedicated to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have a passion for working with the community. I actively seek opportunities to share my expertise with those who lack resources for tax guidance.

During my leisure time, I find joy in time spent with my husband, two teenage boys, and parents, who conveniently live next door. My roots are deeply ingrained in SFV, where I was born and bred and I cherish my relationships with lifelong friends and family.

Karen's biography is in the works and will be available shortly. We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore other areas of our site in the meantime.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois but I’ve worked in administration primarily for accountancy firms for the past 16 years. What I like most about my job is being the friendly face of the company to clients, and caring about them and their needs. I like to think I’m patient and enjoy walking clients through our tax return delivery system. I’m very good at following through, and know that if I can’t help, I’ll find someone who can. I like learning new skills as well, and recently did training on the administrative side of SafeSend Returns. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and grandchildren, reading and watching movies.

I have 6 years of experience working in an accounting firm and 17 years of data entry. I am great at completing projects with deadlines in a time frame under stressful situations as team player. I respond to clients on a timely manner and assist with any request needed with a smile on my face. In my spare time I like to go to my son’s baseball games, daughter’s volleyball games, and watch movies.

As I currently write this, I am just wrapping up my first year in the tax profession, and I am also a very recent college graduate (May 2022). In my first year of working, one of the things I have enjoyed the most is seeing how the work we do on a daily basis directly translates to helping our clients. Everyone has a unique tax situation, and it can get quite complex and make some feel uneasy, that’s why it’s always a good feeling when we can step in and provide some direction and sense of relief. At the moment I do not specialize in any specific industries or sectors however, I do have high interest in both the real estate and entertainment industry. Outside of work, I try and make a concerted effort to give back and help out whenever I can, whether it be through something like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program which I partook in early 2022, or through community events hosted by the California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) accounting society, which I was a part of up until I graduated. Lastly, I am a huge Los Angeles sports fan and try and watch as many Laker and Dodger games as I can!

I have seven years experience in real estate, manufacturing and distribution, primarily working in closely held, multi-generational businesses. Throughout my career I’ve worked with clients on a wide variety of accountancy fronts, from basic tax compliance and tax planning to a full range of financial statement engagements – and with businesses both small-scale and large-scale. My ability to really dig into the details, and take the time to gain a deep understanding of the situation, helps our clients get through the accounting problems they face by developing customized solutions.. I’m a member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). Outside of work, I like spending time with my dog Gunner.

I have over 33 years of experience in a background of primarily real estate tax, but also have experience in tax compliance and planning for businesses, individuals, estates, and trusts. The industries I have worked in include technology, construction, manufacturing, and professional services. In addition I have previously worked for Westfield Corporation Inc and Ernst & Young (Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group) and a mid-size CPA firm in Woodland Hills. I have a Master of Science in Taxation from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from University of Southern California. I am a big Trojan fan. My clients say that I am easy to work with, friendly, and organized. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I have three children –boy/girl twins and a daughter. My daughter is a stand-up comedian and comedy writer. I also love to travel. I am on the Board of Directors of Hadassah, which is a charity that raises money for medical research and am also involved with AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee).

I have 10 years of experience working in various businesses throughout the accounting industry, ranging from tax returns, tax debt resolution, bookkeeping and business management. I am currently furthering my study in finance and accounting to finish my degree and excel in my career. I enjoy working with people; I like getting to know clients, their families and providing a personal, detailed positive experience.In my spare time, I enjoy reading books, creating recipes, and binging Netflix series. In the time we have left, my husband and I volunteer at our kids’ schools, and sports team.

I have been in public accounting for over 5 years. My areas of expertise include tax planning and compliance for partnerships, corporations, and high-net worth individuals. I serve clients in various industries including but not limited to real estate, manufacturing, professional services, and entertainment industries. My attention to detail, high communication skills, accountability, and organizational skills are valued assets to my clients.

I am a Certified Public Accountant and a member of California Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA). I received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California.

I enjoy traveling, cooking, tasting food, and taking my kids to Disneyland in my spare time.

As an Executive Assistant with over 20 years of office administration experience, I make sure the partner I work with is able to hand off work to me. This includes building client contact with many of his clients. As the scheduler I make sure the work is balanced out and that all staff are working the same number of hours. I have led the paraprofessional team and trained the regular admin team to be able to help the tax team with organizing the files and to look out for information we might be missing, filing extensions and payment vouchers for clients). I really enjoy working with people. I am very friendly and easy-going. I have personal contact with a lot of the firm’s clients, and they will call me to discuss issues with billing or other matters. In my free time, I like to spend time with family and visit theme parks/travel. I volunteer a lot of my off-season time at my son’s school. I am a room parent and coordinate school events.

I have 15 years of experience as a CPA and specialize in real estate and hospitality. I have worked on some complicated 1031 Exchanges, special allocations with partnerships, basis calculations and basis at-risk issues. I treat clients how I would want to be treated. I am very detailed oriented and respond to clients timely. I want them to feel they can call me with any questions and that I will help them. Keeping clients happy is a very important part of my position. I’m a part of the AZ Society of CPAs, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, California Society of Certified Public Accountants. In my spare time, I like to cook, sew and play computer games.

I started working as an administrative assistant with Ascend while I was doing my Bachelor of Science in Financial Analysis. When I graduated this year, I grew within the business to become an accounting staff member.

I like to think ’m very detail-oriented when it comes to dealing with clients, and that I’ve got a positive attitude and am very patient. I’m a member of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), a not-for-profit organization that provides professional development and career resources for its members. When I’m not working, I love traveling, reading books, going to concerts and spending time with my dog Layla and my cat Honey.

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I have 5 years of experience and specialize in Real Estate and Legal & Professional fields. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree and led the Accounting Society at Woodbury University as President. I graduated with my BBA in Accounting with Summa Cum Laude honors. I am detail-oriented, communicative, and organized. I believe the best way to help our clients in a field like ours is to listen and educate as we provide our services. Often having more tax knowledge helps alleviate any anxieties or uncertainties that comes along with it. I am a CalCPA member and in my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying different foods, dancing and painting. I have attended a few Community Days during my career and the most memorable experience I have had was giving back during the holidays and wrapping presents for the less fortunate.

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I have 18 years of experience working in a CPA firm, specializing in financial preparation in the restaurant industry and preparing tax returns. I enjoy assisting clients with finding proficient ways to streamline their accounting process. In 2020 I obtained myBachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University. I am also QBO certified. Currently, I am working on my Master of Science in Accounting. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my kids at Six Flags Magic Mountain. As well as relaxing at home playing with my four cats: Hunter, Moon, Ruby, andViolet.

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I have over 10 years of experience in real estate & individual taxation. No client problem is too small to be concerned about. I take client’s business personally and care about the work I do. It brings me satisfaction to help clients resolve problems and find solutions. I’m a member of the AICPA and CalCPA. In my free time, I love to read books, attend theatrical performances/concerts and spend time with my family.

I have worked in this industry for over 27 years. My job duties have changed over time but the focus remains on putting out the best product we can for our clients.As the Office Administrator my duties range from supervising the admin staff to project management, from training to making sure we meet all our due dates. I try to make sure the office works smoothly, which allows employees to do their best work without distractions. If I can pass along a sense of responsibility and ownership to our employees then they will do their best work for our clients, even when no one is looking over their shoulders. The knowledge that their coworkers and clients are trusting you to get it right, that’s a powerful incentive to do excellent work. I like to play games in my spare time, especially card games. I am part of a group that meets every other weekend.

I have 17 years of experience working in accounting with this company. My expertise in the accounting field is in assembling tax returns, uploading e-file forms, etc. I am thorough, precise and a good proofreader. I am a member of the Assistance League of Southern California – Operation School Bells (we give new clothes, toiletries, and school supplies to children below poverty level). I enjoy spending my free time with my husband, children and two adorable granddaughters. I enjoy reading, playing tennis & pickle-ball, hiking, traveling and baking.

I have 30+ years in administration and accounting. I also assist with internal on-site IT issues. I am a team player and am excellent at meeting project deadlines and multi-tasking. I am a member of the National Notary Association. In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods/restaurants, watching reality shows, and dabbling with interior design. I am active in animal welfare groups/organizations.

My specialisation is in taxation of professional firms and real estate transactions with a particular focus on special allocations in partnerships, 754 adjustments.
I see the big picture and work to analyze the step by step process to get us to the final goal. I enjoy the process of getting my clients where they want to be.

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I am a member of AICPA and CalCPA as well as being an Organiser and Manager for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in WestlakeVillage.

In my free time I enjoy hiking, baking and completing jigsaw puzzles.

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Zhanna's biography is in the works and will be available shortly. We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore other team members and areas of our site in the meantime.

I have 24 years of experience working in a CPA firm. I specialize in  business management, tax accounting and tax preparation, financial statements, payroll processing and payroll tax return preparation, sales tax return, business license renewal, personal property taxes, etc. I have experience working with QuickBooks, CCH Engagement and other related programs. I respond immediately to clients’ questions to maintain a trusting relationship with them. I enjoy traveling, reading and watching good movies in my spare time.

I have 7 years of experience in high-net-worth individuals, investment partnerships, real estate partnerships, and non-profits. Prior to becoming a CPA, I was a classically trained double bassist with an emphasis in symphonic performance with a master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservation of Music. I performed with several regional orchestras and opera companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. I respect people’s time and efforts and strive to create a professional relationship with them that is mutually beneficial to all. I am a member of AICPA and CalCPA. In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities and building Legos with my kids.

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I have 10 years of extensive accounting experience including, but not limited to financial statement preparation and analysis. I was granted the Comptroller award for two years running for excellent financial statement reporting. I received my under grad degree in accounting with Cum Laude honors and my graduate degree in finance (both from California Lutheran University). My next goal is to obtain my CPA license and become a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts(AICPA). I take pride in my work ensuring that work gets done accurately and timely while having great communication and an understanding of the client’s needs. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, Zumba, traveling, going on food-ventures, and being with my friends and family.

As one of the newest members of Ascends’ administrative team, I have learned a lot about the process in assembling tax returns, handling sensitive client information, taking care of deposits, managing deadlines etc. I am eager to continue learning new skills and growing in the Industry. I consider myself to be a very empathic individual and I have enjoyed utilizing this quality to get to know our clients. In my free time I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and traveling.

I have 5 years of experience in real estate and managing high net-worth individuals. I led a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site and was a part of the Board of Directors in Beta Alpha Psi (BPA). I am organized, detail-oriented, and have a cheerful outlook on life. I like to hike, exercise and spend quality time with loved ones in my spare time.

I have 5 years of experience in public accounting. I have expertise in real estate, multi-state taxation, tax planning and compliance. I am detail oriented, reliable, efficient, value personal and professional integrity, and have a passion for problem solving. I am a member of AICPA, and love spending time with friends and family, jogging, and cooking in my spare time.

I have been in the public accounting profession for over 16 years. I specialize in providing tax planning, compliance, and consulting services primarily for small to medium-sized corporate taxpayers, including multi-state closely held companies, high net worth individuals, and owner-managed businesses in a variety of industries, including real estate, investment, manufacturing, and distribution. I am a member of the AICPA and CALCPA. I received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, a Master’s in Accounting degree from Golden Gate University, and a Master’s in Taxation degree from Golden Gate University. In my free time, I love hiking, reading and traveling.

I have 6 years of tax experience and specialize in the real estate industry. I’m very easy to talk to and try to be very prompt and direct during correspondences. I will make sure your questions get answered and will refer you to another if I can’t. I’m a member of the PICPA and AICPA. In my free time, I enjoy building small form factor personal computers and playing tennis. I volunteer at a local computer recycling nonprofit organization called Computer Reach.