Get To Know Us
‘Enhancing Lives & Building a Better Future’
Meet Our Team
Principals
Nicole Fisher, CPA, MST
President
Fun Fact: Used to Fight in the Boys Division in Karate Tournaments
Email: Nicole@jbacpa.net
Rick Peterson, CPA
CFO
Rick Peterson’s journey in the world of tax and accounting began at the University of Puget Sound, setting the stage for a remarkable career spanning over four decades. As a seasoned professional, Rick’s expertise extends across taxation, accounting, and a broad spectrum of CPA advisory services. His deep understanding of the field is further enhanced by specialized certifications in personal financial planning and partnership taxation. Rick’s passion for the profession and his commitment to excellence make him a trusted advisor and a cornerstone in the firm’s success.
Fun Fact: He is a Brown Belt in Karate
Email: Rick@jbacpa.net
Jeff Baker, CPA
CEO
As CEO of a leading CPA firm, Jeff Baker combines his passion for the industry with his love for golf, often drawing parallels between the strategic nuances of the sport and business management. Licensed in Washington, Jeff’s journey in accounting began at the University of Washington and Seattle University’s Business Schools, followed by advanced taxation studies at Golden Gate University. His expertise is further highlighted by certificates in personal financial planning and partnership taxation from the AICPA. A proud member of the AICPA and the Washington Society of CPAs, Jeff’s true legacy lies in nurturing the firm’s next generation of leaders, ensuring a legacy of excellence.
Fun Fact: Jeff is an avid golfer
Email: jeff@jbacpa.net
Meet Our Team
Professional Staff
Caroline Morales, EA
Director of Operations
Caroline is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy. She has an extensive background in individual and business taxation as well as accounting services including financial preparation and business consultation. Caroline thrives in creating relationships with her clients and tailoring her services to meet their individual needs.
Fun Fact: Caroline loves to write and discuss poetry.
April Colman, CPA
Director of Accounting
Jeffrey Jackson, CPA, MBA
Client Manager
Jeff Jackson has practiced accounting since 2007 and earned his CPA credentials in 2011. For over a decade, his area of focus has been in accounting and taxation. After graduating from the University of Arizona in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting.
Fun Fact: Jeff spent two years as an United States Peace Corps Volunteer and taught micro-finance (community banking) on the coast of Ecuador while also starting an after school youth group centered around baseball.
Robin Wittum, EA
Special Projects Lead
Robin S. Wittum started her accounting career with the accounting firm of Grossman Weinstein LLP in Northbrook, IL in 1994. During that time, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix. Robin’s experience includes individuals, real estate partnerships, corporations and high net-worth individuals.
Fun Fact: Robin is a total technology Geek!
David Spitzer, EA
Senior Accountant
David is a Senior Accountant with JBA. He is a graduate of Oklahoma City University, where he completed his Master of Science in Accounting, and is currently pursuing his CPA License. He has many years of experience in tax and accounting and enjoys working with clients.
Fun Fact: David has two dogs, a shepherd mix and an obnoxious husky.
Chelci Castillo
Senior Accountant
Chelci was born in Amarillo, Texas, also known as The Great Plains. She graduated from West Texas A&M University in December of 2015 with a bachelor’s in finance and again in December of 2021 with a master’s in public accounting. She is
currently pursuing her CPA. Chelci’s experience includes bookkeeping, high net-worth individuals, partnerships, and corporations. Chelci enjoys the beautiful outdoors of Colorado, along with her 3 yorkies and nine-year-old daughter.
Fun Fact: Chelci participated in breaking the world record in the twin cities of Minnesota for riding Indian motorcycles in honor of her father in August of 2017.
Gerard Cereola
Senior Accountant
Gerard holds a Master’s degree in Taxation from SUNY Old Westbury and brings extensive experience in serving clients across diverse industries with a focus on Real Estate. Gerard is committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional client service.
Fun Fact: Gerard sings, plays guitar and writes original music.
Tanya Kmet
Staff Accountant
Tanya was born and raised in Federal Way and lived in the Seattle – Tacoma area all her life. Tanya graduated from Highline College in 2017 with an Associate of Business and the University of Washington – Tacoma in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting. She has been working as an accountant ever since. Tanya is committed to making sure that every client is given the personal attention and care they deserve!
Fun Fact: Outside of the accounting world, Tanya enjoys and dabbles in photography
Connor Oland
Staff Accountant
Connor is currently studying at the nearby Pacific Lutheran University with a major in Business Administration, concentration in accounting, and (completed) minor in Economics. He is currently getting his foot in the door for the world of accounting as he intends on becoming a CPA once out of college. He is currently in his third year and loves what he is going.
Fun Fact: Connor is an avid playing card collector, having over 40 decks of cards
Thomas Benson
Staff Accountant
Thomas originally grew up in the Arizona desert and moved to the Pacific Northwest after earning his Bachelor’s in Accounting in 2020. He has worked in both private and public accounting, including experience such as managing finances for a small tech startup. With several tax seasons under his belt, Thomas is now looking to earn his CPA license and continue improving his accounting skills and knowledge.
Fun Fact: Outside of work, Thomas loves to spend his free time cooking and
experimenting with a variety of dishes for friends and family.
Meet Our Team
Admin Team
Elyse Baker
Office Manager
Originally from Yakima, WA, Elyse graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in business management. With a passion for helping others, she is committed to making a positive impact through her work and building meaningful relationships. Elyse thrives on using her skills to contribute to the success of the team and support the firm’s growth and goals. Outside of work, Elyse enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and watching romcoms. She also cherishes spending quality time with her friends and family, creating lasting memories together
Fun Fact: Elyse has experienced the thrill of skydiving and can’t wait for her next jump!
Taylor Spada Ball
Administrator of Special Projects
Taylor has a Bachelor of Science degree in Administrative Management and IT
from Central Washington University. She is always ready for new challenges and
expanding her education. She also loves spending time with her family and her dog.
Fun Fact: Taylor loves to craft and create fun pet portraits!
Selene McElroy
Client Coordinator
Selene has an extensive background in Social Work, specializing in Mental Health
and Rehabilitation, with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth. Her passion for learning drives her to continuously seek new challenges and opportunities for professional development. Recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest, Selene is embracing the region’s natural beauty. She enjoys exploring the great outdoors, horseback riding, hiking, and going on adventures with her dog, who joined her from Australia. Outside of her professional life, Selene finds joy in music, reading, and travel, she is always seeking new experiences.
Fun Fact: Selene does a reading challenge every year!
Shelby Ficca
Client Coordinator
Shelby is the newest addition to the firm and has joined the JBA team as an
administrative assistant. Shelby was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, but adventured off to the sunshine state of Arizona, to attend college. Shelby is a recent college graduate from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications. Shelby is extremely eager to start this new chapter of her life, as she begins to dive into her career. Shelby is energetic, positive minded, and is more than excited to start her journey in this admin role. She cannot wait to learn and grow in this field of accounting. Prior to Shelby’s time at JBA, you would find her motivating, inspiring, and coaching
individuals as a personal trainer! Along with her strong passion for fitness, Shelby loves to spend time with her dogs, her family and friends.
Fun Fact: Shelby ran a half marathon in July 2024 and is training to run her first full marathon in the 2025-2026 year.
Lyric Chavez
Client Coordinator
Lyric is currently completing her Running Start program, where she will soon
graduate with both an AA degree from Pierce College and a high school diploma from Rogers High School. Lyric plans to attend the University of Washington Tacoma to pursue a degree in business. She is passionate about helping people and excited to continue growing within the field as she develops her career
Fun Fact: Lyric is a huge fan of live music, especially country concerts. She loves the
energy and connection that comes with seeing her favorite artists perform in person, and she’s always on the lookout for her next great concert experience!
Jax Fisher
Security
Jax is always on duty, ensuring the office is both safe and welcoming for clients and
staff alike. As the company mascot, he takes his role seriously, providing a sense of
security with every turn of his head. Jax has been part of the JBA family since he was
just six weeks old and is always ready to greet you with a friendly demeanor and a
watchful eye.
Fun Fact: Jax loves to play and is always up for a game, whether it’s fetching a ball or
running around the office!
Harley Fisher
Certified Puppy Accountant
Harley is the newest mascot at JBA, ready to greet clients with her signature French Bulldog charm and a big, happy smile! She brings her own unique energy to the office, ensuring every visitor feels welcome and appreciated. Harley has quickly become a beloved member of the team, known for her lively personality and love for attention.
Fun Fact: Harley is always happy, a playful tease to her big brother Jax, and has a serious love for food!
What we can Do
We are Here to Help
Call any member of our experienced staff at (253) 531-7114 today. We are happy to answer your preliminary questions over the phone or schedule an appointment for you to sit down with one of our accountants.
With over 100 years of combined experience, we are confident that we can provide the tax and financial assistance that best fits your business or personal needs. We pride ourselves on being proactive and responsive to our clients’ inquiries and suggestions
ADDRESS
13400 Pacific Ave South, Ste 102 & 202 Tacoma, WA 98444
Note: The client entryway is downstairs in Suite 102.
RESOURCE
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