Meet the team dedicated to your success
Behind every engagement is a team of professionals dedicated to helping you succeed.
Our management team combines decades of experience with a proactive mindset, offering guidance that’s grounded in your goals and responsive to the pace of your business. Whether it’s planning, growth, compliance, or change, you can count on us to be fully invested in your success.
Lucy Cai
Audit Senior Manager
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“I take pride in making sure every detail is right so clients feel confident in their numbers.”
Lucy Cai
Audit Senior Manager
Lucy brings a decade of progressive audit experience to her role as Audit Manager at RLA. With a detail-oriented mindset and a talent for leading teams effectively, Lucy supports clients across industries with a sharp focus on accuracy and transparency. Her background includes a BS from UC Davis and an Accounting degree from Santa Clara University, along with an Asana Workflow Specialist certification that enhances her ability to streamline internal processes.
Cristina Claussen
Audit Quality Control Manager
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“I enjoy helping nonprofits thrive by keeping their finances accurate, transparent, and compliant.”
Cristina Claussen
Audit Quality Control Manager
Christina specializes in nonprofit audits and tax compliance, bringing over 14 years of experience at RLA to her role as Audit Manager. In addition to leading internal peer reviews and training programs, she plays an active role in her community as a volunteer finance lead for a local nonprofit preschool. Christina holds a CPA license, a Not-for-Profit Certificate from the AICPA, and degrees from Pepperdine and Santa Clara University.
Travis Cook
Finance Accounting Manager
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“I like turning complex accounting into clear, reliable information that helps leaders make decisions.”
Travis Cook
Finance Accounting Manager
Travis serves as Accounting Manager at RLA and brings specialized experience in nonprofit organizations and fixed asset accounting. Before stepping into his current role, Travis gained valuable skills as a Senior Accountant and prior to that, contributed nearly six years at Ironhorse Resources Inc. He holds a Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, equipping him with a strong technical foundation and a strategic approach to financial management.
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“My goal is to be a trusted partner for my clients, ensuring their taxes are handled accurately and strategically.”
Dani is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in tax preparation and financial accounting. She brings strong expertise in GAAP and income tax, backed by a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Linfield University. Dani has a proven track record supporting clients with accurate and compliant tax services.
Michelle DeFalco
Tax Senior Manager
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“I like tackling complex tax returns and turning them into clear solutions for clients.”
Michelle DeFalco
Tax Senior Manager
Michelle is a Tax Senior Manager at RLA with nearly a decade of experience specializing in corporate tax returns, including multi-state, consolidations, and foreign activities. Her background spans auditing manufacturing and construction companies, tax preparation, and financial statement review. Michelle is skilled in FAS 109 tax provisions and FIN 48 analysis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from San José State University.
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“I find satisfaction in guiding clients through complicated tax matters with calm and clarity.”
Mark brings over 20 years of professional services experience, including 11 in tax, to his role at RLA. Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, he advises high-net-worth clients on complex tax matters and trust and estate planning. Known for his calm presence and client-first mindset, Mark also mentors junior staff and leads key client initiatives. Outside work, he enjoys family time, music, and caddying for his sons on the golf course.
Lydia Heinrich
Finance Accounting Manager
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“I value building strong client relationships just as much as keeping the numbers precise.”
Lydia Heinrich
Finance Accounting Manager
Lydia is known for her exceptional relationship-building skills and meticulous attention to detail. As Accounting Manager at RLA, she combines her organizational strengths with a client-focused approach to ensure accurate financial management and smooth operations. Lydia’s diverse background, including leadership roles in marketing and operations, gives her a well-rounded perspective that benefits both clients and colleagues.
Yvette Lee
Director of HR / Office Manager
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“I believe people thrive when they feel supported, and I strive to build that culture every day.”
Yvette Lee
Director of HR / Office Manager
With over 20 years of leadership experience across human resources, business consulting, and ministry, Yvette brings a unique blend of empathy, strategic insight, and organizational expertise to her role as Director of HR and Office Manager. She plays a central role in shaping the firm’s culture and operations, drawing on a deep background in talent development and community engagement. Her career spans impactful work in both the private and nonprofit sectors, reflecting her commitment to people-first leadership.
Brandi Lepper
Tax Manager
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“I’m committed to providing reliable, straightforward tax support clients can count on year after year.”
Brandi Lepper
Tax Manager
Brandi is a Tax Manager with extensive experience in accounting and tax services, currently leading client engagements at RLA. She has a strong background in business administration and a history of supporting accounting initiatives in both public accounting and education. Brandi is a licensed CPA with a proven track record of delivering accurate and insightful tax solutions.
Bonnie Murphy-Smith
Finance Department Manager
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“I’ve spent my career making sure financial operations run smoothly, accurately, and with integrity.”
Bonnie Murphy-Smith
Finance Department Manager
Bonnie brings decades of finance and accounting expertise to her role as Finance Department Manager at RLA. She oversees outsourced bookkeeping services and ensures accuracy and compliance with GAAP standards. Bonnie’s extensive background includes leadership roles as controller and senior accountant across diverse industries, making her a reliable resource for financial operations and analysis.
Elizabeth Segel
Tax Senior Manager
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“I enjoy helping families and individuals navigate complex tax planning with confidence and ease.”
Elizabeth Segel
Tax Senior Manager
Elizabeth specializes in federal and state tax compliance and planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, and complex entities. She has extensive experience with real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, 1031 exchanges, and step-ups. Elizabeth also supports clients and staff by managing billing, reviewing returns, and providing technical tax guidance.
Paul Stanfield
Finance Accounting Manager
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“I love using data and analytics to simplify complex challenges and improve how teams work.”
Paul Stanfield
Finance Accounting Manager
Paul brings a unique blend of finance expertise and leadership to his role as Accounting Manager at RLA. With experience auditing a diverse client base, from nonprofits to cryptocurrency exchanges, Paul leverages data analytics and streamlined processes to improve efficiencies and financial insights. Prior to joining RLA, he honed his skills at Ernst & Young, supporting public companies through complex financial reporting and compliance challenges. Paul’s earlier career as a high school social studies teacher highlights his commitment to clear communication and effective training, which he applies when mentoring his accounting team.
Sara Streeter
Director of Audit
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“I'm dedicated to streamlining processes, which enables our clients and team to be more effective and successful.”
Sara Streeter
Director of Audit
With over 15 years of accounting and operational experience, Sara leads RLA’s day-to-day functions with precision and a deep understanding of financial systems. Her background as a controller and assurance manager allows her to streamline processes while ensuring clients receive accurate, timely support.
John Thuong
Audit Senior Manager
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“I believe strong audits aren’t just about compliance—they build trust and strengthen organizations.”
John Thuong
Audit Senior Manager
John is an experienced Audit Manager with over 10 years at RLA, specializing in audit leadership and financial analysis. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management Economics and Accounting from UC Santa Cruz and is certified in Not-for-Profit accounting. John is also actively involved in the community as Treasurer for Christmas In The Park.
Michael Weller
Digital Assets Manager
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“I’m motivated by improving systems and partnering with clients to work through consequential challenges, bringing clarity and steady collaboration even in demanding situations.”
Michael Weller
Digital Assets Manager
With seven years of accounting experience and a broader leadership background, Michael works across complex accounting engagements with a disciplined, pragmatic approach. His experience as an accounting manager, assistant controller, nonprofit CFO, and former correctional supervisor shapes a steady leadership style rooted in accountability, clarity, and operational judgment.