Who We Are

Our Team is an Extension of Yours

We are more than just accountants — we are mentors and friends, providing innovative, creative, and realistic guidance to our clients. Our dedicated team of specialists, armed with the latest information and innovative technologies, is committed to ensuring your financial security today and building a viable plan for your fiscal future.

Jason Machgan

CPA, Partner

Info coming soon.

John Bostwick

CPA, Partner

John joined Walpole Advisors in 2006 and has more than 25 years experience in public accounting. John’s focus includes individual, fiduciary, and corporate taxation. He is a member of both the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). John received his Bachelor’s Degree from Golden Gate University and Accounting Certificate from University of California Santa Barbara. Outside of work, he can be found spending time with his family surfing, cycling, and boating.

Yusuf Balogun

CPA/PFS, MST, Partner

Info coming soon.

Anita Peca

Principal, CPA, PFS

Anita is a CPA and PFS with more than 30 years of experience in public accounting and joined Walpole in 1998. Anita is currently a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). She has extensive experience in taxation and financial planning. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of California at Davis in 1977, her Teaching Credentials from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1978. Outside of work, Anita enjoys spending time, hiking, dancing, writing and baking.

Jason Portner

Senior Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Jeff Restivo

Senior Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Mary Widiner

Senior Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Melissa Athoughies

Senior Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Roger Elmerick

Senior Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Rachel Earl

Tax Manager, CPA

Info coming soon.

Andrew Parsons

Tax Manager

Info coming soon.

Carmen Corral

Senior Business Advisor

Carmen is a Senior Business Advisor with more than 30 years experience in payroll processing, compliance with legal requirement, managing accounts payables, reconciliation of accounts, recording and maintaining financial data into general ledgers to generate and provide accurate financial statement reports. Carmen has successfully completed the requirements to be recognized and certified as an Intuit QuickBooks Online User. Outside of work Carmen likes to hike on the beautiful trails of Santa Barbara and walk along the beach while learning a third language

Jennifer Speece

Firm Administrator

Info coming soon.

Julia Miller

Senior Tax Advisor, CPA

Info coming soon.

Kevin Sam

Senior Tax Advisor

Info coming soon.

Deidre Magee-Reyes

Senior Tax Advisor

Deidre is an IRS Enrolled Agent with over 20 years experience in income tax preparation amassing more than 10,000 returns prepared from Individuals to Non-Profits and everything in between. She is a 4th generation native Californian and attended the University of California where she studied Managerial Economics and Business Administration.


Her extensive lifetime experience in Customer Relations led her to becoming a tax services business owner in Montana developing a loyal base of 600 clients including Dog Mushers and Farmers. She understands that income taxes are not just about numbers and can at times create anxiety in clients. She specializes in allaying those concerns and creating solutions that minimize the financial pitfalls that may arise. Outside of work she enjoys beach bike rides, cooking, playing with Rocky, her “”Boxador”” and yoga.

Brittany Stevens

Staff Accountant

Brittany received her Bachelor’s Degree in Cellular and Developmental Biology from UCSB in 2007. She spent 17.5 years in Veterinary Medicine and loved every minute of it. But in 2022, changed her career to Tax and Accounting. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time in the kitchen – baking and cooking, off-roading and dirt bike riding, and spending time with her family.

Jorge Guzman

Staff Accountant

Jorge grew up in Santa Maria, CA. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of California Polytechnic State San Luis Obispo in 2020. Shortly after graduating, he began his professional career here at Walpole Advisors, where he has gained valuable experience in individual taxation, business taxation, and bookkeeping. Outside of his professional life, Jorge enjoys spending time with family and traveling. In his free time, he can be found playing soccer or exercising.

Donna Sedillo

Staff Accountant

Info coming soon.

Kathleen McKinney

Staff Accountant

Info coming soon.

Marlin Stovesand

Staff Accountant

Marlin grew up in a small town south of Santa Barbara called Ojai, California. After graduating from Villanova High School, Marlin attended the University of San Diego where he earned a BBA in Finance with an Accounting minor.
Marlin’s field of expertise includes individual tax services, wealth advisory services, and company sponsored retirement plan design, implementation, and investment.
Among his accomplishments, Marlin is a Certified Financial Planner, Enrolled Agent, Qualified 401(k) Administrator, Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist, Certified Prudent Fiduciary Advisor, and Qualified Family Office Professional. Marlin also holds the Series 65 license and the Series 63 license.
Marlin currently lives in Santa Barbara where he enjoys boating, the outdoors, and golfing.

Veronica Stimson

Full-Charge Bookkeeper

Info coming soon.

Walpole Advisors is part of Platform Accounting Group, a next-gen accounting collective created to help boutique firms thrive in the 21st century.