Spanish
About Us
Our Team
We are a local full-service CPA firm providing professional services to both business and individual clients. Our services include tax, accounting, payroll, consulting, and tax planning. Our services are customizable to each of our client’s needs. Our core values are respect, integrity, and honesty. We value our clients, make every effort to be responsive, and explain things in a manner our clients understand.
Our Team Members
Sandra Tapia, CPA
Managing Partner
sandra@stapiacpa.com
Amber Clement
Operations Manager
amber@stapiacpa.com
Stevie Pennington
Operations Coordinator
Stevie@stapiacpa.com
Jose Jimenez
jose@stapiacpa.com
Bonnie Keith, CPA
bonnie@stapiacpa.com
Dennis Irwin, CPA
dennis@stapiacpa.com
Renee Young
renee@stapiacpa.com
Erika Acosta Barron
erika@stapiacpa.com
Yohana “Ana” Verdin
Yohana@stapiacpa.com
Catherine Segovia
Tax Administrative Associate
Cathrine@stapiacpa.com
Vanessa Cervantes
vanessa@stapiacpa.com
Ricky Johnson
ricky@stapiacpa.com
Ildemaro Rivera
Ildemaro@stapiacpa.com
Michelle Rodriguez
michelle@stapiacpa.com
Terri Cervantes
Payroll Manager
terri@stapiacpa.com
Sandra Tapia, CPA
Managing Partner
sandra@stapiacpa.com
Sandra Tapia is a Certified Public Accountant who has been sharing her love of numbers with the public since earning her CPA license in 1999. With over 34 years of experience in accounting, Sandra founded her own firm in 2014, driven by a passion for tailoring financial services to meet each client’s unique needs.
A proud native of the Deer Park and Pasadena area, Sandra and her husband (both graduates of Deer Park High School) are deeply rooted in the community they love. She finds great fulfillment in serving the people and businesses of her hometown.
When she is not in the office, Sandra cheers on her family at their many activities. She and her husband have three wonderful children, two cats, a snake, and a tarantula, making their home as lively as it is loving.
Brandon Jordan
Partner
brandon@stapiacpa.com
Brandon Jordan is one of the most passionate individuals you’ll ever meet when it comes to accounting. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and has been building his expertise since childhood. Brandon has transformed his lifelong passion into a deep well of knowledge and experience, which he brings to life every day in his career. His enthusiasm and energy breathe new life into the public accounting industry, offering a refreshing perspective in a field that can often feel overwhelming. Outside the office, Brandon enjoys golfing and experimenting with new recipes to share with friends and family, continuing to live what he proudly calls his “dream life.”
Amber Clement
Operations Manager
amber@stapiacpa.com
Amber Clement joined the team in 2018. She is currently working on her Masters of Business Administration, and is a graduate of Central Methodist University. Amber brings a plethora of skills to the firm that are utilized to oversee operational activities across both locations. Her desire to constantly be better serves as a driving force for the company. When she is not delving into new projects at work, you can find Amber raising her sassy daughter or traveling the world.
Stevie Pennington
Operations Coordinator
Stevie@stapiacpa.com
Stevie joined Sandra Tapia in early 2023, adding her bright outlook and client success focused background to the team. As the Operations Coordinator and head of the billing department, she manages the firm’s internal systems, streamline processes, and ensures billing is handled with accuracy and transparency. She is passionate about creating structure and efficiency that support both our team and the clients we serve.
Outside the office, she breeds designer snakes and is passionate about music and great food. A proud parent of three awesome kids, she spends her downtime either relaxing at the cabin with her family or indulging in her obsessive love for food and music through concerts and exploring new restaurants.
Jose Jimenez
Customer Success Specialist
jose@stapiacpa.com
Jose joined Sandra in 2025, adding his 7 years of business development to the team. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business and Economics. Throughout his career, he has helped businesses grow by focusing on strong client relationships, clear communication, and tailored solutions that drive real results. Jose has played soccer since he was five years old transitioning the discipline, teamwork, and dedication developed on the field into values he carries into all client interactions. Jose’s goal is to make sure every client feels supported, understood, and set up for success.
Bonnie Keith, CPA
Certified Public Accountant
bonnie@stapiacpa.com
Bonnie joined our team in 2025, bringing with her an infectious smile and an incredible work ethic that instantly elevated our workplace. A proud graduate of the University of Houston – Main Campus, she holds a BBA in Accounting and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.
Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys running, reading, attending concerts, and traveling to new places. Her happiest moments are spent with her family, friends, and her dogs.
Dennis Irwin, CPA
Certified Public Accountant
dennis@stapiacpa.com
Dennis has more than 30 years’ experience, a third in tax, a third in financial accounting and audit, and a third as a turnaround CFO, helping small publicly traded companies. Much of his current work concerns advising investors who are buying and selling businesses in a wide variety of industries. Before accounting, he was a journalist in the Soviet Union and Russia. Before that, he grew up on a farm in Oregon. He and his wife, who restore antique furniture, have been married for more than three decades. They have two children, a farm wife and a Coast Guard veteran who works in fishing. Dennis works part time from home due to a disability.
Renee Young
Tax Preparer
renee@stapiacpa.com
Renee is a tax preparer who brings her vast knowledge of the minutia of tax filings to the team. She joined us in 2023 and since then has built the team to a new standing. Renee enjoys doing taxes and is happiest when her clients are happy. She enjoys reading and learning new things on her rare days away from the office.
Erika Acosta Barron
Tax Coordinator
erika@stapiacpa.com
Erika joined our team shortly after graduating from the University of Houston in 2023. She began her journey with us as an administrative assistant and quickly transitioned into a tax-focused role. As a bilingual tax preparer and the firm’s dedicated tax liaison, Erika plays a key role in supporting our clients through every step of the tax process. She ensures your questions are clearly understood and thoroughly answered, helping to bridge communication between you and our tax team. Whether you need help filing or are seeking expert guidance, Erika is here to make your experience smooth, clear, and stress-free. In her spare time, she enjoys delving into creative hobbies like digital art, junk journaling, and crocheting.
Yohana “Ana” Verdin
Tax Preparer
Yohana@stapiacpa.com
Yohana joined our team in early 2024 and brings a strong background in finance and business administration, having earned her degree from the University of Houston–Downtown in 2017. Fluent in English and Spanish, she works closely with individuals, families, and small businesses to provide clear, personalized tax guidance.
Based primarily in our Pearland office and occasionally in Pasadena, Yohana is committed to making clients feel heard, supported, and confident. She has helped hundreds navigate complex tax situations, from self-employment and rental income to business formation and home sales, making the process smoother and less overwhelming. Outside of the office you can find Yohana running 5K’s around Houston as it is her favorite way to recharge.
Catherine Segovia
Tax Administrative Associate
Cathrine@stapiacpa.com
Catherine joined our team in 2024 as an administrative assistant and progressed to specialize as a tax-based admin. She is someone who enjoys being organized, helping others, and keeping things running smoothly—whether it’s at work or in everyday life. She has a strong background in client service and administrative support, and takes pride in being dependable, detail-oriented, and easy to work with.
When she’s not working, you’ll find her shooting pool on her pool league, fishing, or just enjoying some quiet time outdoors. She is all about “good vibes”, steady progress, and surrounding herself with genuine people.
Vanessa Cervantes
Bookkeeping Manager
vanessa@stapiacpa.com
Vanessa Cervantes joined the firm in 2014 and has steadily grown into her current role through dedication and a passion for learning. Starting as an administrative associate, she worked her way up to bookkeeper and now serves as the firm’s bookkeeping manager. Her ability to understand the unique needs of each client makes her an ideal fit for managing their financial records with care and precision. Vanessa’s drive for continuous growth is evident in both her professional and personal life. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her sisters and friends, exploring new restaurants, discovering fun activities, and making lasting memories.
Ricky Johnson
Bookkeeper
ricky@stapiacpa.com
Ricky Johnson joined the firm in 2022. He is a bookkeeping specialist with a sharp eye for detail and a calm, reliable presence. He combines real-world experience with a solid foundation in accounting to help clients stay organized, accurate, and ahead of the curve. Outside of work, Ricky is a proud father who values structure, balance, and making time for what matters most, both in business and at home.
Ildemaro Rivera
Bookkeeper
Ildemaro@stapiacpa.com
Ildemaro has been a valued bookkeeper with Sandra Tapia since 2023, combining a lifelong passion for numbers with a strong commitment to accuracy and client service. Ildemaro handles a wide range of responsibilities, including maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. He has extensive experience managing day-to-day bookkeeping tasks for clients across diverse industries, with expertise in QuickBooks. Outside the office, he’s an avid motorsports fan, especially of Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Michelle Rodriguez
Bookkeeper
michelle@stapiacpa.com
Michelle has been with Sandra since 2023. As a bookkeeper, she not only maintains records and financial transactions for her clients to produce the most accurate financials but also manages sales tax set up and filings. She has been in the accounting field for 20 plus years and enjoys the challenges and growth she encounters every day. In her spare time, her other love in life is playing league pool with her husband, David. She has 3 grown kids, one of which plays pool with her! She also has a new kid, a 7-month-old Maltipoo, who stresses her out more than year-end accounting in January!
Miriam Bautista
Bookkeeping/Payroll
Miriam@stapiacpa.com
Miriam joined the company as a Bookkeeping intern in 2024 and has since been hired as a full-time employee working in both Bookkeeping and Payroll. With the gift of being bilingual, she can assist clients in both Spanish and English. After work, she loves to spend time with her two dogs and family. She especially loves spending time with her ten nephews and nieces.
Elaine Domec
Elaine and her husband, Bob, started Bay Area Management Services in June 1980 after working in the private accounting industry. In 2017 they sold the business to Brandon Jordan who was a current employee of the business. She has remained dedicated to this business for over 45 years.
Although now in a limited capacity (semi-retired) she is still assisting in the bookkeeping services for our clients and enjoys serving our long-time clients. Elaine serves as Treasurer on the board of The Bill and Helen Crowder Foundation and is also active on the board of the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation. In her spare time, Elaine enjoys spending time with her family and friends and cheering for the University of Houston Cougars and the Houston Astros.
Joyce Martin
Payroll Manager
joyce@stapiacpa.com
Joyce has been working within the company since January 2009. Before that she worked for AT&T in many capacities for 35 years. She is now semi-retired but is still enthusiastic about working as a Payroll Processor. She is passionate about providing excellent service to our long-time clients. In her free time, Joyce loves to go to the movies. She also is inspired daily by her family and especially loves spending time with her grandchildren.
Tina Apgar
Administrative Associate
tina@kanicholsoncpa.com
Tina joined our firm as an experienced administrative professional and receptionist. She enjoys being the first point of contact and building strong, positive relationships with clients. Tina takes pride in creating a welcoming environment and supporting the team in all aspects to help everything run smoothly. Outside of work She enjoys playing pool and care for her many aquariums—both of which bring her joy and relaxation.
Let Us Help:
Dear Friend,
I have a feeling I know why you’re reading this right now.
You need more time in your day. Running a business is extremely demanding and there just isn’t enough time in the day to keep all the plates from spinning out of control. What you need most right now is more proactive help with your business finances and tax strategy. As soon as possible. In fact, yesterday would have been ideal. Am I close?
We get it. We’ve worked with plenty of businesses who have to cobble together 9 different software programs to keep everything straight, or who just wash their hands of it all and put everything on the credit card … and then try to clean up every year after the fact. And they know that this is no way to properly monitor profit margins, cash controls, account management, tax strategy and all of the myriad components of an effective financial system for a business.
Perhaps this is your story too. Or perhaps you’ve reached a stage of development in your business that you want to pass the baton of accounting to another expert team so your expert team can focus on what they do best: making sales and taking care of customers.
Or are you just starting your business and want to begin on the right foot?
Whatever the reason, we want you to know that our team has been diligently and effectively taking care of the accounting needs of countless organizations in a wide variety of industries—discreetly and expertly handling the ongoing financial management of tax burdens, payroll, bookkeeping, and other comprehensive accounting services while providing expertise in business planning, coaching, and strategic consulting that many businesses need.
Because here’s a certain truth as it relates to taxes and your business: The State and Federal Government would love to have more of your business’s hard-earned money in their accounts. And yes, even though it’s painful, none of us begrudge paying our legal and fair share of taxes. But the problem is that regular business owners, like you, are missing out on legal and safe deductions to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year.
It doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to hand more dollars over to the government than they require just because you don’t know their rules as well as they do. You don’t have to live in a constant state of anxiety over the state of your books, feeling guilty about the time you should be devoting to keeping your business profitable.
In fact, to help you find answers to your questions, I’ve compiled some resources in the last couple of years for business people like you in response to the specific tax and accounting questions I’ve received from my clients.
Click the button above to take your first step. And of course, feel free to poke around our site and discover why I’ve been called “The Most Trusted CPA in the Texas Area.”
Talk again soon,
Sandra Tapia, CPA
PS — When you fill out the form, we’ll also add you to our weekly email series on “Real World” Strategy for growing business owners. Our readers enthusiastically forward these to their colleagues and peers all the time, because they’re not your standard “tax tips.”
PPS — Already want to come in? I don’t blame you … many people are fed up with trying to manage their financials on their own. Our schedule is very full … but if you call us at 832-672-7530 or Email Us, we’ll give you two options for coming in right away. We will NOT make dealing with an accountant as painful as dealing with your books has already been!