[email protected]
406-800-1008 |
Sarah Gould is the founder and visionary behind Elevated Advisory & Accounting — a modern, relationship-driven firm created to help businesses rise higher with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
A Whitefish native, Sarah spent nearly two decades in Oregon and Idaho honing her expertise across tax, audit, nonprofit, and corporate finance before returning to the Flathead Valley. What she found was a community full of driven entrepreneurs who deserved more than basic accounting — they needed a strategic partner to help them grow with intention. As a fractional CFO and advisor, Sarah helps business owners navigate growth, transitions, and reinvention with systems that look forward, not backward. She’s known for building financial clarity through detailed forecasting, streamlined processes, and practical strategies that align numbers with vision. To Sarah, financial strategy isn’t about spreadsheets — it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving business owners the confidence to make decisions that fuel both profit and purpose. At Elevated, Sarah leads with a hands-on, collaborative approach. Whether guiding a client through compliance, strengthening team capacity and alignment, or mapping out the next stage of growth, she makes the complex feel approachable. Her clients value not only her technical expertise, but also the way she listens, simplifies, and helps them see the bigger picture. Outside of Elevated, you’ll often find Sarah on the golf course — a place where her love of strategy, focus, and healthy competition mirrors the way she approaches business. Through Elevated, Sarah has built more than a firm. She’s built a trusted partner for entrepreneurs who want more than accounting. They want a guide who helps them navigate complexity, seize opportunity, and rise higher. |
|
Stephanie grew up in small town Laurel, MT. Her career began as a receptionist and quickly advanced when she learned the ropes of the Corporate world. She has excelled in Payroll and has worked with over 31 restaurants to take care of employer & employee needs. She has specialized in employee/employer specific legalities. To complete the experience package, she has small business experience as a dance studio owner, teacher, & bookkeeper due to her time in Billings, MT.
In 2014 Stephanie and her husband decided to uproot their lives and plant themselves in the Valley with their two dogs. She is a certified Yoga instructor on the side and has specialized in Aerial Silk Yoga. Math and problem solving have always come easy to Stephanie and she shines whenever she can effectively work through a difficult number puzzle. She has a welcoming presence and a helpful persona. |
|
Jesse grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and moved to Whitefish in Fall of 2019. She came here with her partner and children to be closer to family and enjoy all that Northwest Montana has to offer. She enjoys going to the lake, family get-togethers and working on her property and home during her free time.
After getting a degree in Computer Information Systems in college, she quickly learned that accounting was her passion. She spent several years in office management and bookkeeping for restaurants, before moving into higher education. During her time working for the local University, she continued her education in Accounting, and worked in various Accounting and Payroll processing positions within her department. Jesse thrives on being challenged in new areas and working quickly and efficiently to respond to client's needs. She enjoys month-end reconciliations when she can have meaningful dialogue with clients regarding their accounts. At the end of each day, her goal is to have made the client and her colleague's day, a bit easier. |
|
Born and raised amidst the vibrant vibes of California, Barbara is a testament to the golden state's spirit. Life, however, had a journey in store. Barbara embarked on a series of adventures, with homes that changed like the seasons, eventually leading her to the picturesque landscapes of Idaho. It was the pull of family, the grandbabies, that anchored her there, proving that home is not just a place but where the heart finds love.
Her thirst for knowledge and pursuit of her passion for business led her to the sunny state of Arizona. Here, Barbara diligently worked to earn her Associates Degree in Business Management, an achievement that laid the foundation for her remarkable career. The most cherished aspect of her work, as she passionately shares, is the people. In her role, she connects with clients, listens to their needs, and offers solutions - often in the form of accounting expertise. The accountability that comes with her work is a driving force. She loves the camaraderie with her colleagues, making each day not just a job but a joy. Barbara's career is a medley of diverse experiences. She's donned the hats of a property manager, delved into the complexities of real estate, and even tasted the challenges and rewards of business ownership. However, her heart truly resonates with accounting. For her, it's not just about numbers; it's like solving a grand puzzle where every piece matters. Barbara isn't just a financial wizard; she's a problem-solving enthusiast, a people person, and a passionate advocate for detail and accuracy. She's the bridge between numbers and solutions, a professional who's found her calling in the dynamic world of accounting. |
|
Mia is a Spokane native and has always had her roots planted firmly in the heart of Washington. She took an unconventional but successful path through education, graduating high school with not just one, but two diplomas - one from her high school and an AA degree from the Running Start program. After graduation, she was unsure of her path, but spent several years as a dedicated nanny before realizing it was time for a change.
That's when she found Elevated, and it was exactly what she needed. Mia loves accounting because it allows her to work with numbers and puzzles, unraveling the story behind a business's finances. It demands precision and attention to detail, which brings her great satisfaction when solving complex problems. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Mia developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region, with its lush forests and stunning landscapes. When she's not working, she finds solace and joy hiking and taking part in other outdoor activities. Family is also extremely important to her, and she's happily engaged with her fiance, building a future together with their sweet fur babies in their cozy home. Mia plans on returning to school to obtain her Bachelors in accounting, which will deepen her understanding of the field and open up even more opportunities for career growth. |
|
Erin’s journey to Elevated has taken a few interesting turns — from a background in biology and scientific research to years spent working in wellness, operations, and even living on the road full-time in an RV. Each step along the way has helped shape her practical, people-centered approach to work and life.
As Chief of Staff, Erin supports the behind-the-scenes operations that help Elevated run smoothly. Her role touches everything from HR and internal communications to process improvements and project coordination. She works closely with leadership and the team to make sure the right things are moving forward, the right people are supported, and the firm as a whole stays aligned on what matters most. Erin’s favorite part of the job is the people — being a sounding board, a connector, and someone others can count on. She’s always been drawn to the quote, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” because it reminds her that curiosity and adaptability are strengths — and that there’s value in wearing many hats in service of the bigger picture. |
|
Natalie's first twenty-some years of life were spent in Southern California before moving to the Flathead Valley in 2016. She's called Montana home ever since and enjoys all the outdoor activities the valley has to offer. From fly fishing and backpacking to skiing and chasing northern lights, you can find her and her pup outside on any given day.
Her professional career started in the retail and service industry. Over the years, she worked her way up to a management position, which is where her natural administration skills and acuity for numbers really began to shine. This led her to pursuing a career in process coordination and procurement, which then developed into a career in the accounting realm. Over her time as a private bookkeeper, Natalie was able to develop and refine the role, as well as her skills and knowledge. From creating standard operating procedures, to cleaning-up the books and keeping them up to date, to complicated monthly invoicing and more, she increased efficiency and did so while maintaining a high standard of excellence in her work. Not only does she thrive in the work she does, but she cares deeply for the people she works with - clients and colleagues alike. She strives to create and foster relationships with the people around her and believes this to be a key part of being successful in what she does. |
|
Joanna brings dedication and strong organizational skills to her role as an Accounting Assistant. In 2018, she and her family traded the busy Bay Area for the peaceful valley, where they enjoy the beauty of the mountains and outdoor adventures.
At work, Joanna's attention to detail and problem-solving abilities shine through in everything she does. She genuinely cares about staying current with industry practices and is always looking to learn and grow in her field. This commitment helps her provide valuable support to the team and contribute to Elevated's success. Joanna approaches her work with empathy and patience, making her a trusted teammate. Her love for puzzles reflects her analytical mind and creativity—skills she uses to find smarter ways to handle processes and improve efficiency. If you hear the jingle of a dog tag in the office, you'll likely find Joanna not far behind—her love for our furry friends means she can materialize in any room at remarkable speed when a four-legged visitor arrives! Get to know Joanna and discover how her practical approach and warm personality make working together both productive and enjoyable. |
|
Regina Schwartz is a Certified Public Accountant and Lead Accounting Specialist at Elevated Accounting, where she specializes in serving churches and nonprofit organizations. Originally from Kentucky, Regina moved to Arizona to be closer to family and earned her degree in Accounting from Grand Canyon University. In 2014, she and her family relocated to Montana.
Her passion for nonprofit accounting began while she was in school, where she worked part-time with the American Cancer Society. This experience, coupled with her involvement in her church's bookkeeping, inspired her to focus her career on helping mission-driven organizations navigate their financial operations with clarity and care. At Elevated Accounting, Regina is committed to providing strategic insights and clear financial guidance to nonprofit clients. She values building strong relationships and ensuring that each client feels confident in their financial decisions and processes. Outside of work, Regina enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Montana’s outdoors, and finding balance between her professional responsibilities and personal life. CPA License Disclosure Regina holds an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. However, Elevated Advisory and Accounting is not a licensed CPA firm and does not offer services that require CPA licensure. Accordingly, while Regina's background and credentials contribute to the quality and depth of our work, she is not acting in the capacity of a CPA on behalf of Elevated Advisory and Accounting, nor are any services provided by her to clients being offered under the scope of CPA licensure. |
|
Alex brings a unique blend of technical expertise and financial insight to the world of M&A. Originally from Whitefish, he studied both Engineering and Business at Montana State University before completing an MBA in Finance at George Fox University - where he discovered his passion for Mergers and Acquisitions. That passion led to a CM&AA certification and a career focused on guiding business owners through some of the most transformative decisions they’ll ever face.
With over a decade of executive-level experience in a global electronics company, Alex has developed deep knowledge in engineering, corporate strategy, finance, and international operations. His approach is grounded in making complex topics accessible - breaking down the intricacies of valuation, deal structure, and integration planning so clients can move forward with clarity and confidence. Alex is also the founder of an investment advisory firm, where he empowers individuals to build financial literacy and invest with purpose. He holds a Series 65 license and enjoys helping others unlock the tools they need to build long-term wealth. His strategic mindset and calm analytical presence have also made him a valuable contributor in the nonprofit space, where he has served as an administrator and board treasurer for multiple organizations. When he's not consulting, you’ll find Alex diving deep into new topics - from business models to emerging technologies - with the goal of distilling complexity into practical, actionable insights. |
|
Julie brings a rich and varied background to Elevated Advisory and Accounting, shaped by her roots in a coastal town in New Jersey. She holds a master’s degree in social work and has built a diverse career spanning adolescent partial care programs, hospitality, human resources, and property management.
Much of her professional focus has centered on supporting people—from organizing cultural exchange programs for international college students to managing teams and properties with care and efficiency. At the core of Julie’s work is a passion for delivering outstanding customer service and building meaningful connections within her community. Her ability to adapt across industries and roles speaks to her commitment to understanding people’s needs and creating positive experiences for clients and colleagues alike. She brings warmth, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does at Elevated. Outside of work, Julie is an avid lover of the outdoors. She spends her free time hiking, camping, snowboarding, and volunteering on trail crew trips across Montana to help maintain our public lands. Deeply committed to empowering young people, she also mentors elementary-aged girls through a nonprofit program in the Flathead Valley. Whether she's in the office or on the trail, Julie is guided by her values of service, connection, and community impact. |
|
As Controller at Elevated Advisory and Accounting, Rachel brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping businesses grow and thrive. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting from the University of Montana, she began her career with Flathead Valley Orthopedic Center in the Flathead Valley before moving into a Regional Controller role at Bish’s RV—where she oversaw financial operations across seven dealerships in multiple states.
Now at Elevated, Rachel combines her deep industry knowledge with a people-first approach. She plays a key role in delivering strategic financial guidance, customized reporting, and accounting solutions that support the success of each client. Whether it’s streamlining operations or offering insights for growth, Rachel is committed to building strong, collaborative partnerships. Outside of work, Rachel is happiest in the great outdoors. She enjoys hiking, hunting, snowboarding, wake surfing, and horseback riding. She’s also a proud wife and mom to a lively little boy and a loyal four-legged friend. |
|
|
Athena Steffler is the Operations Administrative Assistant and Client Relations Coordinator at Elevated Advisory and Accounting. She plays a key role in keeping the team organized and clients supported—helping ensure smooth operations across both the advisory and accounting sides of the business.
A detail-oriented accounting student at FVCC, Athena brings a strong background in client relations, administrative support, and financial transactions. Her experience spans legal assistance, banking operations, and technical customer service, all of which have sharpened her skills in document management, research, and problem-solving. Known for her professionalism, she excels at handling sensitive information, managing complex schedules, and delivering high-quality client care. Born and raised in the Flathead Valley, Athena is proud to serve her local community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband Brian and their four kids. Whether it’s riding motorcycles or exploring Glacier Park, her family keeps her grounded and inspired. |
