I’ve spent my adult life living and working throughout Minnesota, building a career rooted in finance, accounting, operations, and helping organizations and small businesses succeed. Along the way, I’ve also built a busy family life with my husband, our four amazing sons, one daughter, and our sweet dog. Balancing a career, running my own business, and raising five children keeps life busy, but it’s also what motivates me to continue growing personally and professionally.

My passion for accounting began in 2015 when I accepted an Accounts Receivable position at a hotel. Over the next three years, I took on additional accounting responsibilities and discovered how much I enjoyed the financial and operational side of business.

In 2018, I accepted a position as Director of Finance and Operations at United Way of Central Minnesota. This opportunity expanded my experience beyond accounting and gave me valuable experience in organizational management, budgeting, financial reporting, operations, and nonprofit leadership.

In 2021, I moved closer to my family and began working with my mom at DeGray Taxes. That experience expanded my knowledge of tax preparation and small-business financial needs and ultimately gave me the confidence to begin providing these services independently.

In 2022, I launched One Bite At A Time Accounting Services, where I continue to provide bookkeeping, accounting, and financial support to clients throughout Minnesota, with many of my clients working with me virtually. I enjoy working with small businesses and non profit organizations and helping make the financial side of running a business feel more manageable, taking things one bite at a time.

In 2024, I accepted the position of Finance Director with the Itasca County Family YMCA. In this role, I oversee a broad range of financial and administrative functions while continuing to operate One Bite At A Time Accounting Services in my spare time.

My professional experience has grown well beyond traditional accounting. I have experience in finance, bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, human resources, operations, budgeting, financial reporting, management, and nonprofit administration. Because of that, I enjoy helping clients look at the bigger picture, not just their books, but the systems, processes, and decisions that impact the success of their organization.

Education

My education journey has been just as important to me as my professional experience. I graduated high school just 10 credits short of completing an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Four years later, I returned to college and completed my Associate Degree at St. Cloud Technical & Community College.

I went on to earn my Associate of Science in Accounting through the University of Minnesota Crookston and am currently in the final stretch of completing my Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

I believe that some of the best professional knowledge comes from combining education with real-world experience. My goal has always been to continue learning, growing, and finding better ways to help the people and organizations I work with.

If you’re looking for bookkeeping, accounting, tax, financial, or operational support—or simply have a business question you aren’t sure who to ask about, don’t hesitate to reach out. My experience is broad, and I may be able to help you find a solution or point you in the right direction.

Visit the Services area of my website to learn more about the services I provide.