The Team

Understanding my passion gave me purpose. My passion is helping people, whether it be youth in a church program, to small businesses needing help organizing their finances, or individuals who are overwhelmed with the idea of tax returns. I want to simplify the process. Everyone has a story and I want to help tell yours through numbers. 

I was twenty-two years old when I did my first tax return. Fresh out of college at UCSB (Go Gauchos!), I began working for the CFO of a hotel investment firm right in the thick of tax season. Fortunately for me, that CFO took me under her wing and taught me the ins and outs of accounting. My first tax return wasn’t for the company, however, it was for my mom. She bought me a Turbo Tax cd-rom and asked me to do her taxes. I had no idea what I was doing, but it triggered a curiosity within me. I took classes to hone my skills and soon found myself helping my friends and family with their returns.

I firmly believe that starting at the very bottom of the accounting ladder helped me gain valuable knowledge that I continue to use today. I worked in AP and AR, processed payroll, learned about the intricacies of partnerships and investment funds, and managed the budget of a large scale hotel remodel, among other things.

So why start my own firm now...? The answer is simple. I didn’t want my clients to be just another number. While creating Tax Mavericks, I carefully considered who I wanted to partner with. I wanted partners whose goals, work ethic, and objectives were parallel with mine. I needed partners I could wholly trust and who understood and would help complete my vision. That’s where Debora and Joe come in. Both are experts in their field and they bring knowledge, experience, fortitude, and tenacity to our brand. 

Welcome to my labor of love. Welcome to Tax Mavericks!

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Cara is a Certified Tax Professional and a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals. She is a CA registered Tax professional with CTEC and is a current IRS ASFP participant.  She is also a Notary Public and is studying to become an Enrolled Agent for the Internal Revenue Service..

When Cara isn’t busy in the world of numbers, you can find her watching Dodger games, or singing along to her favorite boy band New Kids on the Block.

Joe earned his business degree from Cal Poly Pomona and is currently a Fund Manager for a Real Estate Investment Firm based in Colorado.

In his free time, Joe is an avid fisherman and Dodgers fan!

I am a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker who serves as a medical social worker with nearly seven years’ experience working in the medical setting. In my current role at the clinic, I conduct biopsychosocial assessments, impart crisis intervention and provide short-term counseling. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing abuse, trauma, loss, and depression. As a social worker, my goal is to equip my clients with the tools they need to not only cope-but thrive- despite their current illness or situation.

I opened my private practice in 2018, Lighthouse Therapeutic Services. There, I provide therapy focusing on the adult population. I elevate my clients’ mental wellness by addressing issues such as anxiety, grief, depression and life transitions through collaborative, attentive, and empathic counseling. I also provide culturally-sensitive and informed immigration evaluations. In addition to therapy, I have also assisted small businesses by providing small-business consultation. 

Prior to my clinical experience, I followed my passion of improving the lives of others through working with people with developmental disabled. I was the Assistant Program Director of the Community Integration Project, where I served for about a decade and able to learn the inner workings of running a company. This position afforded me the opportunity to enhance the well-being of clients with developmental disabilities through developing and implementing meaningful activities geared for this population. Working at the Community Integration Project inspired my decision to pursue a joyful and humbling career as a licensed clinical social worker. 

Why Tax Mavs? For one: I have known Cara for about two decades of my life. She is somebody I trust with everything. To be a part of something like this is truly an honor. Secondly: it is in-line with my ultimate career (and personal) goals: provide clients with the tools to thrive! I want to be able to be a part of something that helps individuals and/or companies with a personalized service. 

While not improving the lives of my clients, I care for myself by spending time with family, friends, and my adorable Pitbull (Luna). When a pandemic is not present, you can find me at a concert, sporting event or traveling.