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Our Staff

Synchronization for Better Balance

The firm's associates are known for their experience, accuracy, honesty and consistency (and many for their long tenure.) They all have expertise in specific areas and a willingness to share knowledge to help create a better overall picture of our clients' financial situations. With these combined efforts we can create a better overall financial balance and help our clients grow.

Key associates include:

 

James DiFrancesco

CPA

James has nearly three decades of experience in accounting and finances. He received his BBA, with a double major in accounting and finance, from Texas A&M in 1985, obtained his CPA license in 1992 and established the company in 1994 with an emphasis on a personal, one-on-one approach. James has three daughters adopted from China.

To email James, click here.

 

Debi Thomas

CPA, Tax Manager

Debi has over thirty years of tax experience in public accounting, ranging from national firms to large local firms. She obtained her bachelor's degree from University of Texas at Arlington in 1983 and became certified in 1985. Debi is the doting mother of two dogs and two cats.

To email Debi, click here.

 

Steve DesParois

Enrolled Agent

Steve comes to us with six years of experience as a Corporate Controller and twenty three years in the public accounting sector. He received a BSA from the University of Michigan in 1980 with a major in Accounting. Steve joined the firm in 2010 after having been with the firm of TNB Enterprises for twenty three years.

To email Steve, click here.

 

Aleli Mora

Firm Administrator

Aleli joined our firm in late 2019 with over 5 years of managerial experience. She is a Houston native who moved back to the city after receiving her BA from The University of Texas in 2014. During her free time, she likes to go hiking with her husband, their two sons and two dogs.

To email Aleli, click here.

 

Kara Abbott

Accounting Manager

Kara joined us in 2010 bringing over twenty five years of accounting experience from TNB Enterprises. She is married and has two daughters.

To email Kara, click here.

 

Crystal Cortez-Zelaya

Staff Tax Accountant

Crystal has over 20 years of experience in the accounting industry. She primarly handles accounting and tax work, but also assists with payroll and administrative projects as necessary. Crystal received her BBA from the University of Houston in 2005 and her MBA from the University of St. Thomas in 2009. She is married and has four sons.

To email Crystal, click here.

 

Joel Galinato

Staff Accountant

Joel joined the firm in January of 2013. He has a degree in advertising from The University of Texas. He is a candidate to sit for the CPA exam, which he plans to take in the near future.

To email Joel, click here.

 

Eddie Inman

CPA

Eddie joined the firm in early 2023 and has been facilitating the transition of Blair Inman & Co. clients to James DiFrancesco & Associates P.C. Eddie has decades of experience in the field and a wealth of knowledge.

To email Eddie, click here.

 

George Diaz

Staff Accountant

George joined the firm in February of 2015. He is currently pursuing a degree in accounting.

To email George, click here.

 

Sherri Rowell

Staff Accountant

Sherri has a BBA in Industrial Management and worked in the banking industry for 25 years with various operations experience, including payroll reconciliation. After retiring from banking, she joined the firm in 2009 and is our payroll processor. She has three daughters.

To email Sherri, click here.

 

Ariel Sepiol

Staff Tax Accountant

Ariel graduated from Purdue University in December 2014 with a BA in Accounting and moved to Houston shortly after. She is CPA eligible and plans to sit for the exam in the near future. Ariel recently married her husband in September 2017 and they enjoy sharing their home in Northwest Houston with their Labrador retriever, Nala.

To email Ariel, click here.

 

James Cain

Staff Accountant

James comes to us with the Shebay merger in October 2017.  Originally from Colorado; he received his BA from Oklahoma State University in 2003 and will be CPA Eligible this fall with plans to sit for the CPA thereafter.  James is one of our Quick Books specialists and understands the modules and sub ledgers that make the system work efficiently. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and coaching/playing ice hockey.

To email James, click here.

 

Juan Olmos

Staff Tax Accountant

Juan joined our firm in late 2019. He earned his BBA, with a double major in accounting and finance, from the University of Houston in December of 2009. He is CPA eligible and plans to sit for the exam in the near future.

To email Juan, click here.

 

Nikky Thomas

Staff Tax Accountant

Nikky joined the firm in June 2020. She has over 7 years of experience in public accounting & 2 years’ experience as Sales tax auditor with the Texas Comptroller. She has lived in many countries. She was born in Dubai & lived there for 20 years. She obtained her Bachelors in Commerce & Masters in Financial Management from India. She moved to Houston in 2011. She is a candidate to sit for the CPA exams and plans to take it in the near future. She loves to travel.

To email Nikky, click here.

 

Kimanh Nguyen

Para-Professional

Kimanh has an MBA from Husson University.  In 2010 she opened her own beauty salon in Maine and still manages it while working in Houston.  And she is currently a CPA candidate.  She enjoys time with friends and family and loves to travel.To email Kim, click here.

 

Stephnie Nolen

Administrative Professional

Stephnie joined the firm with extensive experience in office settings. She has a husband, a few children, two dogs, and two cats. In her spare time she likes to play FBI investigator and rabbit hole on crime stories.

To email Stephnie, click here.

 

Carol Berilgen

Administrative Professional

Carol joined the firm in 2022 and has an extensive background in administrative settings. She enjoys planning for the holidays and hosting events.

To email Carol, click here.

 

Saray Alvarado

Tax Professional

Saray joined the firm in 2023. She has earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and is currently pursuing her Master's Degree. She is fully fluent in English and Spanish. 

To email Saray, click here.

 

Tami Baird

Staff Accountant

Tami has a BBA from LeTourneau University, and has several years of experience in accounting.  She joined our team in December 2022. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

To email Tami, click here.