Kristi Nelson, CPA, graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She has over 30 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in businesses within the service, manufacturing, nonprofit, healthcare industries, and individual taxation. She also assists clients with QuickBooks and financial management.

Many of her clients have out of state activity and she works on state taxation issues as well. Kristi began her career in the audit department of Ernst & Young, which is one of the four largest accounting firms in the nation. She then moved back home to Tri-Cities to work for a regional accounting firm, leaving there to help form Northwest CPA Group PLLC in 2004.

Kristi spends her time away from the office with her husband and two sons, entertaining, movie watching or tackling escape rooms! Her family also loves to travel and hike.

Don Persinger, CPA, joined Northwest CPA Group in 2004, after graduating from Washington State University, Go Cougs! Don’s practice primarily focuses on small businesses and their owners. Don serves a significant number of agricultural clients along with dental and medical practices and high net worth individuals. Don also works with trusts and estates in the office.

Megan McCary, CPA, joined Northwest CPA Group in 2011. Before that, Megan worked as the Accounting Manager for a local general aviation business for over two years. Megan grew up north of Pasco before attending and graduating from Washington State University where she studied accounting and agricultural economics. She specializes in income taxation and accounting services related to small to medium sized businesses and individuals, including experience with various industries such as construction, wineries, and a specialization in farm and ranch taxation.

Outside of work, Megan enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family, and supporting her alma mater, the Cougs.

Sandra Gamble, CPA, is a Former Partner with Northwest CPA Group. She has extensive experience in public accounting, specializing in income taxation and accounting services. Her industry specialties include agriculture and construction.

Outside of work, Sandy enjoys golf, fishing, cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Bernie Walter, CPA, is a Former Partner of Northwest CPA Group PLLC. He started his accounting profession in 1990, and previous to Northwest CPA Group PLLC, he was a partner with a regional CPA firm in Eastern Washington. He advises business clients in a variety of industries, including construction, agricultural, personal services and real estate. He works in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, general business consulting and accounting services.

Outside of the office, Bernie enjoys outdoor activities, travel and has recently taken up running. He serves on the board of the Columbia Basin College Foundation.

Alison Gebers, CPA, is a Principal with Northwest CPA Group who joined the firm in 2004. She is a graduate of Washington State University and holds licenses to practice public accounting in Washington, Oregon and Arizona. Alison has over 20 years of experience in public accounting, providing financial statement, income tax, and consulting services to individuals and businesses in broad variety of industries. Within these areas, she has an extensive background and specialty in performing financial statement audits, reviews and compilations, as well as providing internal control consulting services. The nonprofit sector is an area of particular emphasis for Alison.

When not at work, Alison spends most of her time with her husband, Keith, and two kids, Jayden and Kallee. Together, they enjoy traveling (especially to Hawaii), riding bikes during the summer, playing games, working puzzles, and taking long walks while enjoying the sunshine.

Bonnie Santschi, CPA, joined Northwest CPA Group in 2018. Prior to that, Bonnie spent nine years working at a regional firm in the Seattle area after graduating from the University of Washington. Bonnie’s practice primarily focuses on the taxation of commercial businesses and their owners, with an emphasis on partnerships and corporations. She enjoys working with clients in the real estate, family business, construction and professional service sector. Bonnie has also completed her Master’s in Taxation through Golden Gate University.

When not at the office, Bonnie enjoys time with her husband and two kids, gardening, scuba diving, traveling and reading. She has completed over 35 dives in seven different countries – she has even dove with sharks.

Samson Martinez, CPA, joined Northwest CPA Group in 2015. Samson graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane, where he studied Accounting and Leadership Management and was a member of the men’s golf team. He has been with the firm since 2015 and has multiple years of experience with tax, audit, and other A&A services among multiple industries. He specializes in helping taxpayers and business owners plan strategically to optimize their tax situations. Samson was born and raised in the Tri-Cities region and has a passion to help serve the community as it continues to grow at a rapid rate.

During his free time, Samson enjoys golfing competitively, playing piano or guitar, and spending time with his family and friends.

Samantha Vickery, CPA, began her career in public accounting at Northwest CPA Group in 2017. She holds two degrees from Washington State University; one in Business Administration, and one in Psychology. At work, Samantha enjoys auditing and preparing financial statements, with a focus on non-profit organizations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, reading, and knitting.

Steve Maciboba, EA,  joined Northwest CPA Group in January 2012 after working for the Internal Revenue Service for over thirty-three years. He is a seasonal employee who works full-time during tax season and by appointment outside of tax season.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Ashley Morales, CPA, joined Northwest CPA Group in 2018. Ashley graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting. She began her career in Las Vegas and moved to Washington when she started with Northwest CPA Group. She focuses on auditing and preparation of financial statements. She also enjoys tax preparation for individuals and businesses and building a connection with the client.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and ceramics. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her husband and their dog.

Pearl Sharp, CPA, changed careers in April 2022 when she joined the team at Northwest CPA Group. Pearl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, and a Master’s degree in Accounting which she obtained from Western Governors University. She primarily works within auditing and financial statement preparation. Pearl enjoys building rapport with clients and creating business relationships that provide a foundation for future growth. During her engagements with nonprofit organizations, she has gained a new understanding for the breadth, scope, and impact these organizations have on our community and appreciates all that they accomplish.

Pearl, her husband, and her four daughters enjoy spending as much time camping as possible. They enjoy fishing, hiking, archery, and absorbing what nature has to offer.