Shelley Harriman, CGA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 109
Shelley obtained her Certified General Account (CGA) professional designation in 1994, and was admitted to the partnership in 1997. Shelley has completed the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants In-Depth Tax Program, including the In-Depth Tax study program of Corporate Reorganizations. During Shelley’s 25 years in public practice she has seen the needs of clients change significantly. She sees that the client now requires more than just an accountant. Shelley looks to offer her clients a trusted advisor who can assist them in addressing the many challenges faced in today’s business environment, along with innovative solutions to taxation and estate matters. Shelley has served on the Board of Directors of Chinook Credit Union and continues to be involved in several community organizations
.
Jean L. (John) Gauvin, BAA, CGA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 145
Personal
I was born, raised and educated in the small city of Rimouski, Québec. I moved to Alberta in May, 1997 after graduating from university. My spouse, Janique and I have lived in Strathmore for the past 11 years and we have two young daughters, Camille and Gabrielle. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping and playing hockey with good friends. I love to work around the house and am always looking for something new to build or repair.
Education
As mentioned above, I was formally educated in Rimouski, Québec. First, I obtained a science diploma in mathematics from the local college (CÉGEP). I then attended the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) where I graduated in 1997, with a business degree with an accounting major. In 2006, I successfully completed the Certified General Accountant professional education program and earned my CGA designation. In 2009, I will enroll in the first level of the in-depth tax course with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, where I will develop additional skills in various taxation issues.
Professional
I started my professional career with Gregory, Harriman & Associates back in 1997. Under the great guidance and teaching from both Karen and Shelley, I have worked my way up the ladder and was privileged to be invited to join the ownership of the practice in 2008. Over the years, I have developed a good knowledge base in various GST issues, as well as a great interest in numerous taxation matters. I have a particular interest in all real estate and construction issues. I am fluent in French and English and have developed a small French speaking client base over the past few years.
Anita Timmerman-McNamara, BAppBA - Acctg & IT, CGA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 121
Personal
My passions include reading, traveling, the outdoors and gardening. I love flowers and feel great satisfaction when what I plant grows into a beautiful bouquet. I moved from Calgary six years ago in order to enjoy a relaxed rural setting but also enjoy traveling to see and experience new sites.
Education
I am currently enrolled in the CGA program and have completed my Bachelor of Applied Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Information Technology at SAIT.
Professional
Before joining GH&A in January 2006, I had twenty years experience working for private corporations in the construction supply and lumber industries. GH&A has given me the opportunity to expand my work experience into the public practice sector and I have found the work very rewarding. I have joined the GH&A technical support and training team which fulfills my desire to help others and utilizes my more techie personality traits.
Words of Wisdom
Love life to the fullest; we often forget to enjoy and appreciate what we have, so my advice is to take 10 minutes every day for reflection.
Becky J. Nakamura, BAppBA, CGA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 102
Personal
Although I was born and raised in Brooks, I have always felt an affinity with Strathmore, likely due to my mother and her siblings being born in Lyalta and my Uncle Lido inheriting the family farm. I have had the opportunity to live in several large Canadian cities, but find I am a small-town girl at heart. Before moving to Strathmore, my children and I lived back in Brooks for eight years. When I was offered the opportunity to work at Gregory Harriman & Associates, I knew we would like the move, still being close to family, being able to continue living in a small town, and yet be in closer proximity to Calgary. The kids have adapted well, getting involved in different sports within the community and making new friends. Being part of a small community, I understand how important volunteers are, and so I have been committee head for 50/50 at Heritage Days for the past few years. I have an awesome group of volunteers who do such a great job and make sure my “job” is less stressful because of their commitment and dedication.
I love to travel and see the world, and want to infuse that love in my children. I also love to read and putz around in my yard and garden. I am looking forward to when my yard is FINALLY looking the way I see it in my imagination.
Education
In my younger years, I was sort of a professional student, obtaining diplomas in journalism and shiatsu. However, I also worked for a number of years in different accounting areas, and in the fall of 2001, decided to work toward my Certified General Accountant designation. I obtained my Bachelor of Applied Business Management, majoring in Accounting in 2006 from SAIT. In 2007, I successfully completed the Certified General Accountant education program, earning my CGA professional designation.
Professional
I had been working off and on in various accounting areas since finishing high school and in the fall of 2000, I started work at a public practice firm in Brooks. I decided to become a professional accountant and started working toward my CGA designation while continuing to work full-time. It was a challenging, yet wonderful learning experience. I came to GH&A in August of 2007, and am enjoying the opportunity to continue learning and expand my accounting knowledge. In 2009, I became a part-time instructor at SAIT, mentoring the Directed Field Studies students. Having gone through the course, I felt I could help my students get the most out of their DFS experience.
Words of Wisdom
“We are not what we know, but what we are willing to learn.” ~ Mary Catherine Bateson
“I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself – that is the best combination.” ~ Judi Dench
Christina Kleysen
(403) 934-3176 ext. 112
Personal
I have lived in Strathmore with my three amazing kids since 2001. We are kept busy with school and sports activities for most of the year and enjoy spending our warm weekends at the lake. I am entering my fourth year as Treasurer for Parent Council and hold various volunteer positions related to the sports that my children are involved in. I have done a fair amount of travelling and enjoy meeting people and experiencing new surroundings.
Education
My education has been obtained through night school, seminars and “hands on” experience. I have an Oil & Gas Production Accounting Certificate from S.A.I.T. and have completed four courses towards the Bachelor of Business Administration at Mount Royal College.
Professional
My first twelve years were extremely busy. I worked full time in the financial and oil & gas industry. Weekends I worked in the tourism industry as a ski guide, white water rafting guide and as an outdoor facilitator for U of C programs. During my next twelve years I was self employed providing bookkeeping services and QuickBooks & Simply Accounting training. I feel that the variety of experience has been of great benefit when adapting to clients’ individual requirements.
Joining the GH&A team in 2007 as an Accounting Technician was a fantastic decision. After working in “the trenches” I now have the opportunity to take my knowledge up a level and work on company year ends, income tax and all other assignments sent my way. I continue to learn and am appreciative to do so amongst such an awesome group of people.
Erin Gregory, BMgt, CA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 135
Personal
For the first 17 years of my life, I lived in Standard, AB on my parents’ farm. I am currently living in Chestermere and enjoy the short highway commute to Strathmore, thankful that I don’t have to brave the busy streets of Calgary! I enjoy traveling; so much so that my fiance and I have decided to get married in Mexico next year.
Education
After high school, I moved down to Lethbridge, where I received my Bachelor of Management with a Major in Accounting, graduating in January 2005. I started the CASB program in the summer of 2008, and after three years of hard work, received my CA designation in December, 2010.
Professional
I started with Gregory Harriman as a summer student in 2004. After graduating from university, I came back to work until December 2005, when I left for my year-long excursion to Australia. After a nice vacation, I returned to GH&A in January 2007 and have been enjoying working here ever since.
Heather Van Laar
(403) 934-3176 ext. 114
Personal
For the past 30 years, my husband Barry and I have operated a mixed farm in the Standard area. We have two grown daughters, who are married and live in Strathmore. We enjoy our time with family and friends, especially our four grandchildren. Our family is very community oriented. I was very active in 4-H as a leader and ringette as a coach and manager for several years.
Professional
Before coming to GH&A in December 1999, I worked in municipal government for seventeen years. I have enjoyed my working relationship with GH&A, assisting the firm’s numerous farming clients with tax planning, bookkeeping advice and completion of government farm programs. Working at GH&A has given me the chance to advance my skills and knowledge within a great environment.
Jean Wagemakers
(403) 934-3176 ext. 117
Personal
I am the eldest of six children born to immigrant parents whose goal was to have their children achieve success through opportunities that would not have been attainable had they stayed in their native country. I genuinely admire and respect their determination and fortitude as they have led by example with their ethics in family, community and work values. I grew up in a farm family and completed all of my formal education in Strathmore and Carseland schools, graduating from Samuel Crowther High School, a long…..long time ago. After graduation, I moved to Calgary where I worked in administrative positions in the insurance and banking industries, and finally with a law firm. The city was a great experience, but my heart was in the country and so I was lucky enough to marry a farm boy and move to Rockyford where we raised one son and two daughters. We now call Standard home and have added three granddaughters and one grandson to our family tree. My interests include attending theatre and musical productions with my gal pals, and on the complete opposite side of the coin, riding the back seat of the Harley with my husband, and although inexperienced, I am learning to spin my own fishing tales. Executive positions with both the Lionettes community service club and St. Rita’s Parish keep me busy on the volunteer side of my portfolio.
Professional
I have been employed by Gregory, Harriman & Associates since January, 1994, and have been with the firm through its amazing growth. I started out as your typical Girl Friday, with job responsibilities including receptionist, typist, accounts payable and receivable clerk, mail and banking, etc. Oh and yes, sometimes even housekeeping chores on late April nights, so that the office was nice and tidy to receive clients the next business day. Currently, my main role is that of lead typist responsible for the completion of our corporate client financial statement packages, which includes a variety of details and programs within the framework of the accounting field. There are new opportunities each day to learn and grow within the practice, the most enjoyable are the occasions when I have the opportunity to meet with both prior and new clients.
Words of Wisdom
You will find that the mere resolve not to be useless, and the honest desire to help other people, will, in the quickest and delicatest ways, improve yourself. – Ruskin
Jennifer Jensen, BComm, CGA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 120
Personal
I was raised on a farm near Rockyford and now continue the same lifestyle with my husband, Chris, on a grain farm and purebred Angus ranch near Standard. We very much enjoy the family atmosphere the farm provides for our three children, Lauren, Daniel and Morgan. While the combination of grain and cattle keeps us very busy, we do enjoy camping with friends and family during the summer and try to make a few weekend getaways each winter. I’ve also been able to volunteer with a few local organizations and really enjoy being involved in our community.
Education
I received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary in May of 2000. After a year with GH&A, I began working towards my Certified General Accountant’s designation and officially became a CGA in June of 2006.
Professional
I began working for Gregory, Harriman & Associates in November of 2000, looking forward to the strong agricultural expertise of the firm. Since then I have had the opportunity to work in many different accounting and taxation areas and have really enjoyed the constant challenge. The staff camaraderie in the office makes it easy to enjoy my job and the flexibility in scheduling makes it an ideal job for a mother of three young children.
Johanne Bissonnette
(403) 934-3176 ext. 132
Personal
I grew up on the west side of Montreal, where there is a large English speaking community. Most kids in my neighborhood were fully bilingual by age 12. Speaking two languages has certainly been an asset in Montreal, and even here in Alberta.
In the early 90’s I started a family and was able to spend a few wonderful years at home with my two boys. Our family moved out to Calgary in 2005 and to Strathmore in April, 2006. In my free time, I try to get to the gym as much as I can. I particularly enjoy running, biking, aerobics, weight lifting and swimming. If I’m not at the gym, I am at home cooking or reading a good book.
Strathmore is a great town and I hope to have many more happy years here. I find I don’t miss the big city at all.
Education
By grade 10, I had decided to study accounting and after finishing high school, I enrolled in a college business administration program and obtained my technical degree in 1990.
Professional
When I returned to the workforce after staying home with my two boys, accounting was not in the cards for me. I worked for many years in customer service, in a wide variety of industries and also worked as a dispatcher. I believe this varied experience has made me a well rounded employee. Gregory, Harriman & Associates has given me the opportunity to return to my first love, accounting, allowing me to expand my accounting knowledge.
John Deering, BComm, CA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 110
Personal
I am a born and bred Calgarian who enjoys escaping the city’s congested roadways, driving out to Strathmore for a more controlled lifestyle. I have a great network of family and friends who keep me very happy and busy. Most of my passions outside of work relate to sports. A golf enthusiast, I have competed provincially, nationally and even tried going pro for a couple of years. In a need for more security than that life provided, I turned to my education. During the summer, I am still very active in golf, and in the winter, two hockey teams and cheering on the Flames occupies several late evenings. A recent trip to Scotland has created a need to visit other historical golf sites.
Education
I completed my Business Degree from the University of Calgary in May 2002 and after a two year professional golf experience, I entered the Chartered Accounting Articling program in 2004. After three eye-opening (and sleep-deprived) years in the program, I achieved the CA designation in December 2007.
Professional
My six years at GH&A have been very rewarding and I feel I have grown professionally and personally. The best part of this career is interacting with the great clients to help them meet their needs. Whether it be a large intercompany tax strategy or simple bookkeeping advice, the ability to help them achieve their goals is very important to me.
As a recent CA graduate, I am involved in the mentoring of aspiring CA’s in our firm. This rewarding experience is made very worthwhile, given the great success our articling students have been having in the CASB program and on the UFE.
Words of Wisdom
Conventional wisdom says to know your limits. To know your limits you need to find them first. Finding your limits generally involves getting in over your head and hoping you live long enough to benefit from the experience. That’s the fun part!
Julie Reagan
(403) 934-3176 ext. 129
Personal
I was born and raised on a farm just east of Strathmore. Being the farm girl that I am, I didn’t want to venture into the big city too often, especially to find a job. To be able to work in Strathmore, with clients that I grew up with is a huge perk. I married Spencer Reagan on December 3, 2005 and we live in Standard. We have three boys, James, Lucas and Ryan, and they are keeping us very busy. We enjoy camping a lot in the summer and spending most of our weekends with family and friends in the great outdoors.
Education
After finishing high school in Standard, I was off to U of C for a year to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. By the end of the year, accounting was looking really good, so I headed over to Mount Royal College where I received a diploma in Business Administration – Accounting and Financial Management in August, 1998.
Professional
I started at GH&A in September, 2000 and have only been away for a couple of years, when James and then the twins were born. During my time here I have learned so much. I enjoy interacting with our great staff and clients and helping out wherever I can.
Kathy Guttinger
(403) 934-3176 ext. 118
Personal
I grew up on the back of a horse in the foothills of Southern Alberta. I moved to Calgary, married a city boy and started our family. We are now out in Strathmore, where life goes at a slower pace – that is, until April rolls around! We spend much of our time outdoors camping, fishing and on the ATV trails.
Education
I am currently enrolled in the University of Athabasca’s University Certificate in Accounting program.
Professional
I have been with Gregory Harriman since 2006 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I work with amazing people who have all taught me a great deal.
Linda Stead
(403) 934-3176 ext. 106
Personal
I was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Calgary after high school and a one year secretarial course. In 1975, I married and moved to Strathmore.
I have 3 grown children, two boys and a girl. While they were growing up, they were involved in soccer, baseball, softball and swimming in the summer. In the winter, they were occupied with Scouting and I served on the group committee for several years. A highlight of this was volunteering with my daughter at the Canadian Jamboree in PEI in 2001.
Professional
My work experience has been at the University of Calgary and the County of Wheatland during the 70’s. I then began doing the bookkeeping for a family business and started to take courses through correspondence with Athabasca University. Since coming to GH&A in June 1991, I have continued to upgrade with accounting courses from SAIT in recent years.
Lynn Atkinson
(403) 934-3176 ext. 101
Personal
Having lived in Strathmore for 20 years, I find it to be a great place to raise my two sons. Being a mom is very rewarding. I’ve volunteered at my sons’ school; working in the classrooms, going on field trips and being on the Parent Advisory Council. I’ve also volunteered for Block Parent and the Youth Centre. I enjoy reading, sports and spending time with family and friends.
Professional
After completing an accounting course and doing some bookkeeping, I found the work to be interesting and it led me to Gregory, Harriman & Associates. I have been here since 2008 and I enjoy using my knowledge to gain much experience in the accounting field and working with a great group of people.
Marlis Nielsen, CMA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 125
Personal
As with most Albertans, I am an import from Saskatchewan – I grew up in Eston, moved to Calgary right after high school and have been an Albertan ever since. My husband, David, and I have a grain and cattle farm operation near Standard. We have two adult sons who are off pursuing their own interests. We both enjoy traveling and have managed to fit in a few winter vacations over the past several years.
Education
I have my CMA designation and continue to update my knowledge through professional development courses and work experience here at GH&A.
Professional
I joined GH&A in January 2000 – this was my first introduction to public practice. Prior to that I had worked in industry (an oil company, an office equipment company, and a fertilizer company) and was also able to take some time off to raise our two boys. The knowledge and experience that I had gained from my previous jobs, as well as volunteer positions and “life on the farm” provided a solid foundation for all that there is to learn in public practice. GH&A provides a great learning environment – where the learning never stops. For the better part of the year, my main focus at GH&A is the ever changing farm support programs – namely AgriStability and all its related programs. I am also involved in Municipal Audits and Not for Profit Financial Reporting.
Marlys Lein
(403) 934-3176 ext. 131
Personal
I am a BC import, having been born and raised all over BC, from Hope to the Island, from Kamloops to Langley. I moved to Alberta in 1978 and met my husband in Hussar in 1981. I have been married for 27 years, have two girls, Tara living in Calgary, and Beth at home for now. I enjoy gardening, golfing, painting and spending time with my family.
Professional
Before starting with GH&A, I ran a home based daycare for 13 years. I then decided I needed a change and started with GH&A in 2001 as a typist. Taking on new responsibilities over the years, I am now an Administrative Assistant.
Mike Porter, BComm
(403) 934-3176 ext. 128
Personal
Like Marlis, I am a transplanted Saskatchewanian (?). Born in Humboldt, I spent most of my formative years in Prince Albert. I moved to Calgary in the spring of 2000, but return to PA often to visit family and friends. My interests are sports (tennis, swimming, and cycling), travelling and hanging out with my friends.
Education
I received my Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998 and am currently enrolled in CASB. I am planning to write the UFE in the fall of 2011.
Professional
I began at GH&A in March 2000, and left in the summer of 2002 to work in Calgary at a downtown firm. However, I missed the working atmosphere at GH&A, so I came back in December 2004, and have been here ever since.
Rose Anderson
(403) 934-3176 ext. 103
Personal
Born in Saskatchewan, I was raised in Calgary and completed my education at Ernest Manning High School. I played ladies fastball and curled while growing up. I met my husband John while vacationing in Saskatoon and we moved to Vancouver after our marriage. It was during this time I began to golf.
We have lived all over Alberta because of my husband’s work, as well as 5 years down in Phoenix, Arizona, while my husband worked there as a site superintendent. I loved Phoenix and would have liked to stay but we were unable to obtain the green card for employment. We moved back to Canada and purchased our home in Strathmore, where my parents and some of my family reside.
As a family, we enjoy the game of golf, whether it is up close and personal, or on the big screen. Although I do not get to the course much, I love watching my kids and husband excel in golf and travel as much as I can to take part in their events and golf some on vacation. Both of my children are professionally involved in golf and I have seen several tour events in the US, as well as Spain and all across Canada. In 2005, I attended the Bell Canadian Open in Vancouver to watch my son, Stuart, golf with the PGA tour players and in 2007 I was in Edmonton for my daughter’s debut in the LPGA Canadian Women’s Open.
Professional
My employment has always been in accounts payables and receivables, customer service and retail management. My background helped me greatly when my sister and I owned and operated the first Sears Dealer Store in Strathmore. I enjoy working in a team environment and was happy to join the GH&A team in the spring of 2008.
Yvonne Hillier
(403) 934-3176 ext. 123
Personal
I was born and raised in a small farming community in Central Alberta. My husband and I moved to Strathmore in 1981 and have been fortunate to raise our two children here. Outside of work, my family is my number one priority. We enjoy camping and family get-togethers, etc.
Education
Upon graduation from high school, I attended Red Deer College and received my certificate in Medical Secretarial Sciences.
Professional
I have been employed with Gregory Harriman & Associates since March, 1993 in the capacity of Administrative Assistant. I am now the internal accountant at GH&A, in charge of accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll.
Farrah Williams, BMgt, CA
(403) 934-3176 ext. 147
Personal
I have an extensive agricultural background, having been raised on a farm and am now farming with my husband at Arrowwood. Away from the office, you can find me alongside my husband raising our three children, working on the farm, gardening or renovating old houses. My family and I are avid community members, being directly involved and volunteering with the Lions, the Co-op, Ag Society, and the E.C.S. and playschool programs.
Education
I received my Bachelor of Management with a major in Accounting from the University of Lethbridge in 1999. I joined Gregory Harriman & Associates in 2000 and was training in the C.G.A. program. I then decided to pursue the Chartered Accountant designation by entering the C.A. School of Business (CASB) program in 2002. It was a definite challenge, but taught me perseverance and allowed me to grow educationally and as a person. I became a Chartered Accountant in December 2004.
Professional
I have been an employee of Gregory Harriman & Associates since 2000 and enjoy it very much. The staff have become like family and the synergy in our office is amazing, making it a great place to work. My interests are in audit and taxation and most importantly, serving our clients to my greatest ability.
Minh Nguyen, BComm
(403) 934-3176 ext. 122
Personal
I was born in, and spent the early part of my life in a small city located on the central coast of Vietnam. When I was 8, my parents saw the opportunity to relocate our family to Canada, where much of our extended family had made their home. The move exposed me to an entirely new culture and language, and gave me the chance to explore many of the opportunities here in Canada.
Education
After finishing high school at Lester B. Pearson High School in Calgary, I attended the University of Calgary, where I majored in Accounting. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Currently, I am enrolled in the CASB program, where I am pursuing my CA designation.
Professional
Immediately after completing my B Comm, I began working here at Gregory, Harriman & Associates. The dynamic nature of public practice has provided me with a constant supply of challenges, and a breadth of opportunities to learn and continue my professional development. Despite the demanding nature of the CA program, the curriculum integrates well with many of the clients that I am dealing with during my day-to-day work.
Sam Miller, BMgt
(403)934-3176 ext. 119
Personal
My family moved to Calgary from eastern Canada shortly before I was born, and I have lived in southern Alberta ever since. I recently became engaged to my girlfriend of six years, and we plan to get married and start a family in the years to come. My interests include sports, movies, and spending time with my fiancé.
Education
I attended Henry Wisewood High School in Calgary and graduated in 2004. I then went on to attend the University of Lethbridge where I majored in accounting. I graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Management degree. I have been enrolled in the CASB program since graduating, and have completed Module 3 towards my CA designation.
Professional
While attending the University of Lethbridge, I completed a co-op work term with Compass Tax, a small international tax firm in Calgary where I gained some valuable experience preparing personal tax returns for Canadians working abroad and Canadian non-residents. After graduation, I started work with Gregory, Harriman & Associates and have enjoyed working in public practice, while at the same time working to develop the skills necessary to obtain my CA designation and launch my career as a chartered accountant.
Nicki Heck
(403) 934-3176 ext. 134
Personal
I grew up in a small town in southern Alberta. I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs, and started working at an early age for my parents in their small business. I quickly learned firsthand, the advantages and challenges of owning your own business, and it has intrigued me ever since. I migrated north to Calgary and then settled in Strathmore when it still had that small town feel to it (has it ever grown!).
Education
I graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts. I have continued to take further education courses in a variety of subjects and am currently taking accounting courses through Athabasca University.
Professional
I started with GH&A in 2009, during the midst of tax season, which I might add is jumping in with both feet. Personal tax season, although hectic, is a rewarding challenge that I enjoy. Everyday here is a new learning experience and a constant expansion of knowledge. The office is filled with a fantastic group of people with a wealth of experience and wisdom. I look forward to the variety of ways I can assist small business owners. As an aside, I love the program, Simply Accounting, which is a rarity here.
Words of Wisdom
Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes.
Ellen Wagner
(403) 934-3176 ext. 139
Personal
Born and raised in Indus, I am still living in the house I was born in. Since the late 70’s, my husband and I, along with our three children, have farmed the original homestead.
Education
I did all of my schooling at Chestermere, graduating from Chestermere High School.
Professional
My husband and I operate a grain farm, and since 2007 I have been working part-time at GH&A, preparing AgriStability applications and helping out during tax season.
Cristina Dixon
(403) 934-3176 ext. 124
Personal
I have lived in Strathmore for almost four years with my wonderful husband and two amazing boys. I love spending time with my family. We do a lot of camping and all sorts of outdoor activities on the weekend.
Education
I obtained an Administrative Assistant Diploma from Columbia College in Calgary and have completed Basic Accounting at SAIT.
Professional
Before joining the GH&A team, I was a stay-at-home mom for a few years, after working for a financial management company for six years, where I had the opportunity to gain experience in reception, office management, accounting, marketing and investor relations. I enjoy working with such a wonderful group of people at GH&A.
Words of Wisdom
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Jackie Dalstra
(403) 934-3176 ext. 112
Personal
I was born and raised in Calgary, a true city girl. In 2001, my husband and I decided to raise our family in a small town and moved to Strathmore. I was fortunate enough to have the better part of 12 years at home raising our amazing kids. Staying at home gave me the opportunity to spend much of that time volunteering for many community activities and organizations, whether it was with sports my children were in or the rural fire department, which my husband is a member of. I am always giving extra hours of my time to the community. We love it here in Strathmore and would not choose to live anywhere else.
Professional
After my kids started school, it was time for me to head out into the work force. From that decision, I found a home at GH&A, and have been a member of the firm since September, 2008. It was one of the best decisions I have made. The staff members have welcomed me with open arms and are like family. It is a truly wonderful place to work.
Words of Wisdom
Never regret your mistakes. Learn from them.
Cody Matthies, BMgt
(403) 934-3176 ext. 141
Personal
I grew up on a farm outside of Lethbridge and spent the majority of my life living in Southern Alberta. I am very active and enjoy playing almost every sport, in particular hockey and golf. I recently moved to Strathmore and will be getting married In August to the love of my life. I am also a hard-core Flames fan and I enjoy spending time with my fiance, family and friends.
Education
I attended Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale and graduated in 2004. I then spent a year at Briercrest Bible College in Caronport, Saskatchewan. I completed my post-secondary education at Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Accounting. I am currently enrolled in the CASB program and working towards my CA designation.
Professional
While attending the University of Lethbridge, I completed a co-op at Meyers Norris Penney in Lethbridge, where I gained valuable experience preparing Notice to Reader engagements and Agristability applications. After university, I worked at BDO Canada in Red Deer, where I learned more about auditing, oil and gas accounting methods and personal tax. I started at Gregory, Harriman & Associates this past year and continue to develop my skills in a variety of accounting areas, on the way to becoming a Chartered Accountant.