[email protected]
406-800-1008 |
Sarah Gould is the founder and visionary behind Elevated Advisory & Accounting — a modern, relationship-driven firm built to guide businesses through the highs and lows of growth with clarity, strategy, and heart.
Originally from Whitefish, Montana, Sarah spent two decades sharpening her financial expertise in Oregon and Idaho, holding senior-level roles in tax, audit, nonprofit, and corporate finance. But it was her return to the Flathead Valley — and her deep desire to help local businesses not just stay afloat but truly thrive — that sparked the creation of Elevated. Sarah leads with the belief that financial strategy should feel empowering, not overwhelming. As a fractional CFO, she partners closely with business owners navigating periods of change, expansion, or reinvention. Her specialty lies in building forward-looking systems: detailed budgeting and forecasting models, streamlined invoicing and inventory processes, and clarity around compliance and performance. Her work isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about building confidence and momentum. She brings a strategic lens to every engagement, whether she’s guiding a client through government contract compliance, helping implement the EOS model for better team alignment, or mapping out the financial roadmap for a growing business. Sarah’s approach is hands-on, collaborative, and personal — she’s the kind of financial expert who will sit next to you at the table, walk through tough decisions together, and help you build a business that supports your goals and values. When she’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, where her strategic thinking and love of competition come in handy — just like in business. At Elevated, Sarah has built more than a firm. She’s built a trusted partner for entrepreneurs who want more than just accounting — they want an ally who helps them rise higher. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Kortni, a native of North Eastern Oregon embarked on an inspiring journey in 2018. Her path led her to the picturesque landscapes of Montana, where she followed not just her heart but her deep passion for the great outdoors.
Beyond her love for the wilderness, Kortni is a dedicated and loving mother of two beautiful boys. In a beautiful twist of fate, she became a proud parent to four other incredible children when blending families, a true testament to her nurturing spirit and her ability to embrace the complexities and joys of family life. With a keen eye for numbers and a natural aptitude for financial management, Kortni found her calling in the world of accounting. For her, accounting is more than just a profession; it's a realm where she excels effortlessly and stays wholeheartedly engaged. She understands that accounting isn't just about numbers; it's about unlocking doors to a multitude of professional fields, all of which she eagerly explores. One of Kortni's most significant talents is her knack for taking care of the accounting on the back end of businesses. By managing the financial intricacies, she empowers her clients to focus on their dreams and ambitions, propelling their businesses to new heights. Her work encompasses various aspects of accounting, including the meticulous management of payroll and diving deep into the inner workings of companies to identify strategies for enhanced efficiency. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
[email protected]
406-607-6878 |
Christina Raymond is a dedicated Client Account Specialist with a rich and diverse background in customer service, management, and financial counseling. Her career began at a young age, where she honed her skills in service-oriented roles within restaurants and collection agencies. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and an inherent talent for helping others, Christina quickly ascended to general management positions, where she cultivated her leadership abilities and developed a keen understanding of client relations. Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset have led her to assist numerous friends and family members in launching successful small businesses, showcasing her commitment to empowering others in their ventures.
Among her notable achievements, Christina founded a nonprofit organization at the tender age of 18, a testament to her passion for community service and leadership. She has also been instrumental in the successful reopening of a restaurant that had previously faced closure due to mismanagement of funds. Furthermore, she boasts a 100% success rate in providing hypnotic services, reflecting her extensive training and certification as a consulting hypnotist. Outside of her professional endeavors, Christina is a devoted mother of four who enjoys cooking, hiking with her family, and exploring new destinations. She cherishes the connections she builds with others and seeks to enrich her personal and professional life through meaningful relationships and experiences. With her unique blend of skills, experience, and genuine passion for helping others, Christina Raymond continues to make a significant impact in the lives of her clients and the communities she serves. |
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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. |
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Ariel is a dedicated mother of two girls and a loving wife, married since 2015. Born and raised in Montana, she has built a life surrounded by nature, family, and a variety of pets, including two dogs and two cats. Ariel began her career in the service industry, where she honed exceptional customer service skills, before transitioning into the administrative field.
Her current passion for psychology is reflected in her work as she pursues a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Ariel’s understanding of human behavior and emotions plays a key role in her administrative duties, where she balances the schedules and needs of many people at once. Her psychology background enhances her ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, prioritize competing demands, and maintain a compassionate, empathetic approach in every task. This unique combination of skills allows her to be flexible and effective, whether in a mental health counseling setting or an administrative position. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ariel enjoys caring for both indoor and outdoor plants, cooking, hiking, reading, and continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow. Her well-rounded experiences and dedication to personal and professional development reflect her deep commitment to both her family and her future in mental health counseling. |
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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. |
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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. |
