Meet Our Team
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Conrad Seales, CPA
Email: Conrad@pacific.tax
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I am delighted to share Santa Cruz Pacific with you. I approach each project with the head of a scientist, the power of a diesel locomotive, and the heart of Santa Cruz. I love my job.
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My background gives me the depth and breadth to understand you and your ventures. I approach your project with the scientific mind I developed in earning a degree in Earth Science from UCSC in 1991. I have respect for you and compassion for your struggles that I earned working in and starting a business in the restaurant industry. I can relate to the hard work you do because of how I got here. I began a career in public accounting at the front desk of the firm that grew into Meisser Seales Riccabona LLP. I worked my way through the accounting curriculum at Golden Gate University and earned my CPA license in 2003. After ten years as a partner, I established Santa Cruz Pacific to be YOUR accounting and tax engine.
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The best part of my job is to get beyond the compliance requirement of tax returns to help you with decision support. Another of my favorite activities is helping exempt organizations, doing both paid and pro-bono work for various local, statewide, and international groups. Santa Cruz Pacific is part of our community.
Melissa Ray, EA
Email: Melissa@pacific.tax
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My journey to Santa Cruz Pacific has been a long-haul of hard work filled with interesting stops and connections along the way!
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I became licensed as an Enrolled Agent in February of 2016, the highest credential the IRS awards. Obtaining this elite status has granted me the privilege of representing taxpayers like you before the federal and state taxing authorities. I got my start in the accounting profession in 2002 working for Independent Bookkeepers, LLC in San Jose, CA. My public accounting career took off with Meisser Seales Riccabona, LLP in 2006 when I was hired to run the front office as the tax season temp. My knack for problem solving and desire to learn more earned a permanent position with the company. Twelve years later, I joined Conrad Seales, CPA in establishing our firm, Santa Cruz Pacific.
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In addition to preparing individual and business tax returns, I am a Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor. This certification gives me access to exclusive accountant-based tools and knowledge, advancing the guidance and support I am able to provide you. When it comes to accounting and tax matters, I take pride in helping you get on track and stay on track!
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Kimberly Grischy, CPA
Email: Kimberly@pacific.tax
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I began my career in public accounting in 2015 as a tax preparer with a local CPA firm, Meisser Seales & Riccabona. It was there that I was lucky enough to work with Conrad and Melissa. When they decided to start Santa Cruz Pacific Accounting and Tax I was excited for the new adventure they were embarking on and thrilled to be invited to join them. I have been a part of the Santa Cruz Pacific Accounting and Tax team since the doors opened in January 2018.
In January of 2019 I received my license as a Certified Public Accountant and have found that SCPAT has been a wonderful environment to grow and evolve my career. I enjoy the seasonal changes in workflow that comes with tax preparation and accounting work. It is great to be able to get to know our clients and understand where my experience can assist in providing clarity to their situation. I understand that accounting and taxes can feel daunting and I am always happy when I feel like I can help!
Outside of the office, I enjoy taking day trips and finding new trails to explore or spending time in my garden. I am thankful to be in Santa Cruz working with an amazing group of people, both colleagues and clients.
Kimberly Butts,
Staff Accountant
Email: Kim.b@pacific.tax
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I have lived in many places and had various roles in my career thus far. I love living in Santa Cruz and am very excited to be here to be at Santa Cruz Pacific!
Previous to living in Santa Cruz, I gained experience in management, human resources, marketing, inventory control, profit and loss, scheduling, training, event planning, and invoicing. I began my journey in the accounting field when I joined Messier Seales Riccabona LLP in 2016 as an Administrative Assistant. From there, I moved on to Verve Coffee Roasters to head up their Accounts Payable and Receivable departments for two years. Joining Santa Cruz Pacific Tax and Accounting gives me the opportunity to further my accounting and bookkeeping expertise while adding more diversity of experience and knowledge to their bench. I am currently a certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor and am working on additional certifications to further assist our clients.
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My time outside of work is filled with bike rides, painting, various adventures with friends, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.
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Jennifer Scully,
Firm Manager
Email: Jennifer@pacific.tax
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Being born and raised here in Santa Cruz, I have always enjoyed the small business environment. When I joined Santa Cruz Pacific in 2023, I knew this would be a great opportunity to combine my interest in working with people with my passion for business development.
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I graduated out of San Jose State University in 2022 with a degree in Communications. Prior to my role as Firm Manager at Santa Cruz Pacific, my work experience provided me with skills in marketing, operations, staff management, training, and much more. I’m excited to bring my pervious experiences and education to this firm and assist with the progression of Santa Cruz Pacific!
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Outside of work, I enjoy reading, making clothes, Latin style dancing, and spending time with my friends and family.
Jonathan Erdman
Staff Accountant
​Email: Jon@pacific.tax
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My general ledger journey began in high school with the successful completion of an accounting class. As I was making the decision to pick a course of study in college, I remember taking to heart the old adage attributed to Benjamin Franklin that "the only thing certain in life is death and taxes," which seemed to me a good omen for job security. Hence I pursued a double major in accounting and business administration. Upon graduation, on the eve of the turn of the millennium, I took a job at a CPA firm in South Bend, Indiana, jumping right in for the 2000 tax season. I've been working in business and accounting ever since.
My primary area of expertise is small business accounting and business management. My primary professional experience is in public accounting but I also spent five years in the general management of a Lodge in remote Alaska.
I am originally from the Midwest but I have a chronic case of wanderlust that's taken me all over the United States and beyond. I am particularly attached to Alaska and spend my summers living in a log cabin in the bush community of McCarthy. I am also a writer, and so I can't help but appreciate the fact that numbers tell a story. Accounting, for me, is more than just crunching these numbers, it's a process of mapping a client's journey to determine where they've been and to help them take control of where they are going.
I am currently the Executive Director of The Wrangell Mountains Center in McCarthy, Alaska where our mission is to connect people with wildlands through art, science and education. We run programs that connect people with the vastness and beauty of the wild, opening the space for personal creativity, learning and transformation.
Dulce Castillo
Staff Accountant
Email: Dulce@pacific.tax
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After receiving my bachelor’s degree in economics in 2019 from UC Irvine, I moved back to Santa Cruz and began gaining work experience in accounts payable and payroll. In January of 2022, I joined the Santa Cruz Pacific team and shortly after I became a California Registered Tax Preparer.
Since joining Santa Cruz Pacific, I’ve been continuously expanding my accounting and tax knowledge. I like that in the field of accounting, there is always something new to learn. I enjoy that I have the opportunity to work with our local businesses, helping them navigate their challenges and achieve their goals.
Mya Gonzalez,
Staff Accountant
Email: Mya@pacific.tax​
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My journey in accounting has equipped me with a deep understanding of financial principles, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for helping clients thrive. As a third-year staff accountant, I bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to excellence.
Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in various aspects of accounting, including financial reporting, tax preparation, and accurate record keeping. My ability to analyze complex financial data and provide actionable insights has been instrumental in supporting the financial health of the individuals I work with. I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, always staying updated with the latest industry standards and regulations. My goal is to ensure accuracy and compliance in all financial matters, while also identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth. In addition to my technical expertise, I pride myself on my strong communication and interpersonal skills. I believe in building collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
When I'm not crunching numbers, I enjoy walks around beautiful Santa Cruz, watching movies, and playing with my cat which help me maintain a well-rounded and balanced life.
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