by Integrated Tax Services | Oct 4, 2023 | Taxes, Uncategorized
Here’s a roundup of several recent tax court cases and what they mean for you. Blogging for Taxes (Thomas v. Commissioner of IRS, 160 T.C. No. 4) The innocent spouse relief rule allows one spouse to avoid paying taxes caused by the other spouse due to their actions on...by Integrated Tax Services | Jul 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
Team members unplug from day-to-day routines to enjoy vacation. See where they traveled to. Ashley, Integrated Tax Services Ashley and her husband are getting some rest and relaxation in Maui. Lana, Johnson Bixby Lana and her son Benjamin took an Inside...by Integrated Tax Services | Jul 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
Daron, The Difference I have found that mindful movement is my best form of meditation. Incorporating hiking, barre exercise classes and yoga help me to feel balanced from the inside out. This balance gives me the fortitude and energy I need to pursue my goals, both...by Integrated Tax Services | Jul 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
We acknowledge and celebrate team members and their children who have had milestone accomplishments this year. Learn how they’ve prepared for this day, and what plans they have ahead of them. Juli Potts, Ripple Companies An interview with Brenden Potts. Brenden...by Integrated Tax Services | Jul 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
Building Connections is one of our core values. To help us stay better connected with one another, each quarter we feature a team member from each of the Ripple Companies Vivian Le Cousins, Ripple Companies What is your role in the Ripple Companies? I’m a senior...by Integrated Tax Services | Jul 5, 2023 | Uncategorized
Megan Dixon, ITS and Ripple Impact NW Growing things is in my blood. From the generations of Maschmann farmers in Nebraska to my Papa Adams’ backyard vegetable garden, my entire body demands I put things in the ground each spring in anticipation of a fall harvest. I...
President/CEO
Heidi is the founder of Integrated Tax Services as well as the owner of Johnson Bixby, a financial planning firm in Vancouver. She is devoted to the Downtown Vancouver community and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our clients through financial wellness. Heidi believes if we can raise the tide for one, we can raise it for all. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in financial planning from Marylhurst University in Portland. Heidi began her career in financial planning in 1991, and achieved her Certified Financial Planner™ certification in 1997.
An active member of the community, Heidi has chaired or served on the boards of many nonprofits over the last 20 years. She currently serves as board Past Chair for Columbia Springs, and also as board Treasurer of Global Sojourns Giving Circle and H-RoC.
As world traveler and avid photographer, Heidi loves to document her adventures with her camera. Photography is the perfect creative outlet for her. As she says, “It’s a way to capture the spirit of the people we meet, the land and the culture and bring it back to be shared.” Her favorite travel destinations include Zimbabwe, Thailand, Peru, Belize, South Africa, and Scotland.
Estate & Trust Manager
Randy has been preparing income tax returns since 1985 and moved to Washington from California in 1996. Some of the perks that Randy enjoys is the occasional public speaking and tax presentations. Randy spent many years working in the National and State Parks and Forests as a firefighter, interpreter, and law enforcement officer.
Randy’s favorite pastimes include traveling, reading, hockey, and the martial arts.
CPA
John Caton is a graduate of the University of Portland and has been in public accounting since 1970. He started with one of the national firms and began his own practice in 1974. In 2011, he sold his ownership interest in Caton, Day & Co. CPAs, Inc and became Partner Emeritus in the successor firm of Day, Bacon, Smith & Co. PLLC where he worked on special projects. Not being interested in just retiring, John has been associated with the team since 2013 which allows him to pursue his interests in working with estates and dealing with other elder issues. He will also be assisting the firm during tax season.
John is very active in the community by serving on the Vancouver Planning Commission for 12 years and as Chairman for four years; Vancouver Charter Review Committee for all nine reviews since 1979 and Chair of two of them; Clark County Three Creeks Council; and currently serving his final term after nine years on the Vancouver Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. He has been active in assisting non-profit organizations, such as the Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, and currently on the Board of Directors for Innovative Services Northwest and the Friends of the Elder Justice Center.
John has lived in Clark County for over 50 years and having traveled to most parts of the country, finds no better place to be. He has two sons that have gone into banking and public accounting. His personal interests include travel, reading science fiction, mysteries, and history, and spoiling his only granddaughter.
Senior Tax Accountant
After spending the last three years traveling the world and teaching in China, Jonathan recently returned to the Pacific Northwest to work in accounting and bookkeeping.
With a degree in Psychology from Portland State University, he started his career in customer service, which led to roles in accounting. He loves that accounting tells a story. In his opinion, the more complex the numbers, the better the narrative.
Jonathan has visited all six habitable continents (yep, Antarctica is still on the list). And, despite being great with math, he can’t count all his cousins thanks to 14 aunts and uncles.
Director of Community Investments & Relationships
Megan has built her career around helping nonprofits raise the critical funds and resources necessary to do their good work. She thrives on working together in a team environment, helping ensure processes and procedures are efficient and effective to everyone. Her enthusiasm to grow and develop a team and community —making them better tomorrow than they are today—is one of the reasons she is perfect as our Director of Community Investments & Relationships.
Megan believes growing and developing are essential for all aspects of life, not just the office. Whether it be cultivating the growth mindset of her two children or tending the vegetables and flowers around her yard – growth is everywhere. When not in the garden, you may find her writing a poem, an art form near and dear to her heart. Not a big surprise considering she met her husband in a poetry class back in college.
Chief Financial Officer
Ask Cyndi what she loves about her job and the answer is simple: people and purpose. Her energy and enthusiasm for helping both team members and businesses grow and succeed is evident in her work over the last 25 years.
Before joining our team in 2020 as our CFO and COO, she held multiple finance and client relationship roles in a variety of industries – from recruiting to medicine to real estate. Don’t be surprised if you see her name pop up when researching items related to financial planning, investing, parenting or travel as she’s published articles in dozens of magazines through the years.
Chief Marketing Officer / Brand Strategist
Kristi believes in the power of story to connect us, move us, and transform lives. As our Chief Marketing Officer, she is a writer, brand and messaging strategist, and workshop facilitator with a knack for finding stories and creating pathways to help great ideas become remarkable experiences.
For 25 years, Kristi has worked in marketing for companies including Moda Health, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Apple, Nike and others. She has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry, working with clients from Registered Investment Advisor firms to larger brands such as Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley and Prudential.
Marketing & Communications Director
Rachel is an optimistic realist helping promote the ITS brand in all the ways that matter—whether that be to existing clients, future clients, employees or community partners. A natural people person who gets an extrovert classification on every test she’s taken, she tackles each communication challenge that comes across her plate with grace and enthusiasm.
A lifelong communicator who had childhood dreams of becoming a news broadcaster, she spent her early career years in public relation and marketing roles. After more than a decade in corporate communications, she moved to a local creative agency in account services where she realized she had a passion for promoting brands for smaller businesses.
Away from the office, Rachel enjoys entertaining friends and family over a homecooked meal—especially ones that contain vegetables from her garden.
Chief People Officer
Juli brings her enthusiasm for people and her vast experience in human resources to Integrated Tax Services, and our sister company, Johnson Bixby. She helps us recruit new talent, designs and implements key people strategy programs, all while making sure we stay a safe and compliant workplace.
A Pacific Northwest native, Juli is a mom of two, who went to school while raising her kids. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Personnel Psychology and Human Resources Management. She also holds a minor in Psychology and has several human resource professional designations including Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP).
Depending on the season, you’ll find Juli enjoying any number of activities – hiking, kayaking, outdoor concerts, yard work or wine tasting.
Senior Accountant
Vivian loves the art of untangling an accounting challenge. With a keen attention to detail and superior organization skills, she’s a natural fit to our team. Working in the accounting industry for more than a decade, Vivian previously worked as a financial consultant for a California based music start-up. In her role as Senior Accountant she supports Johnson Bixby and Integrated Tax Services with various finance related activities.
Facilities Maintenance Tech
Need something painted or furniture assembled? Don’t worry! Jim is on the job. Calm and resourceful, Jim is instrumental in keeping our building running smoothly. And best of all? He’s a delight to be around.
Prior to joining our team, Jim held a facilities position at a Portland bicycle shop. To say biking is a passion for Jim is an understatement. Whether a mountain trail or commuting to work – Jim prefers to cycle whenever and wherever he can.
When not fixing something or biking, you may find Jim relaxing with his cat, Lulu, or jamming to Kool & the Gang and KC & the Sunshine band (both performed at his high school graduation!).
IT Support Specialist
In his role on our IT team, he offers the same support but for our team in responding to our IT woes and troubles. Brigg is quick to analyze, troubleshoot and evaluate any technology issue that comes across his plate. Like in the sport of rock climbing, the pathway isn’t always clear but if you have the desire to move forward – a route can be found to help you get to your goal.
Brand Specialist
Chief Operations Officer
Saskia is fueled by improving processes and business operations, so they run efficiently and smoothly.
Saskia grew up in Europe (Go Netherlands!) and now calls the Pacific Northwest home. On weekends you can find her skiing, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Staff Accountant & Tax Preparer
Brian is a staff accountant and tax preparer on our team and has worked in public accounting for the last decade. He loves the intricate world of tax accounting. He revels in the mental challenges the field offers, where problem-solving and research are paramount, and the distinction between right and wrong is crystal clear. Much like his love of Legos, accounting provides comforting order, precision, and clear structure.
Brian’s grateful to call the Pacific Northwest home, sharing adventures with his wife, Michelle, in Battle Ground. Music is a shared passion, along with completing Lego sets together, and enjoying live shows. Their household is complete with a dachshund named Toby.
Brian’s family background is a unique blend – his father is a mortician, and his mother an accountant. He humorously admits he chose the brighter career path.
Staff Accountant
Erika is a staff accountant, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to our team. Raised in an accounting family, her love for the profession stems from the belief that accounting and taxes, while essential, can often be the burdensome and stressful part of running a business. Erika happily shoulders these responsibilities, allowing business owners to do what they do best – growing their enterprises.
Beyond her professional life, Erika is an avid traveler, considering each journey an opportunity for education and an avenue to deepen her appreciation for the world. She’s also a culinary enthusiast, finding solace and creativity in the kitchen after a day filled with numbers and regulations.
Born and raised in Hong Kong but having spent half of her life on the island of Guam, Erika now resides in Ridgefield with her husband, Andy, and their two teenage boys, Devan and Dylan, not to forget their mischievous feline companions, Beans and Wrex.
Client Services II
Energetic, engaging, and always ready to uplift those around her, Kelly is an invaluable part of our Client Services team. With a passion for building meaningful relationships and fostering a culture of excellence, she helps us all strive to be our best. Known for her enthusiasm and teamwork, she’s the first to dive into new projects, lend a hand, and inspire others to shine.
Kelly joined our team in early 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from similar roles and a strong skillset that she’s seamlessly applied to enhance our operations.
Originally from Central Illinois, she now enjoys life in downtown Vancouver. An avid traveler, she makes time to visit family and friends across California, Nevada, and Florida. Outside of work, she cherishes her role as a mother of two daughters, grandmother to a grandson, and proud “Pet Aunt” to many beloved animals.
People & Culture Administrator
Trisha lives by Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This philosophy shines through in her work, where she supports our team by expertly organizing and executing programs and events that help everyone perform at their best.
Beginning her career in hospitality, Trisha naturally transitioned to Human Resources, recognizing the shared focus on service. She found that skills honed in restaurants—such as customer service, adaptability, and effective communication—were invaluable in fostering a positive and productive workplace.
Staff Accountant
After gaining valuable experience as a tax preparer across various firms, we were delighted to welcome Kelsey to our team as a Staff Accountant in the fall of 2024. She was drawn to Integrated Tax Services by the opportunity to grow professionally while participating in giving back to our local community.
What she enjoys most about her work is the problem-solving aspect — preparing tax returns feels much like solving a puzzle, a favorite pastime of hers. By thoughtfully assembling each piece, she helps create a comprehensive and accurate picture of every client’s financial situation.
Sr. Managing Director
Ralph is a veteran in the tax and financial planning field, bringing decades of experience and a deep commitment to helping people navigate their financial lives with clarity and confidence.
Growing up, Ralph moved frequently, which gave him a unique perspective on people, life transitions, and the importance of planning for the future. He discovered early on that understanding how to manage money could open doors to greater stability and opportunity. That insight sparked a lifelong career, beginning in the 1980s, devoted to guiding clients through the complexities of tax and financial planning.
A lifelong learner, Ralph values growth and adaptability. He joined our team to continue building meaningful connections with clients while also contributing to a culture that encourages professional development and personal growth.
Ralph has been a volunteer guest speaker at the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and the National Association of Tax Professionals.
IT Manager
Sr. Tax Preparer
Carl brings more than three decades of tax and accounting experience and a genuine passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of taxation with confidence. His career began in California in the early 1990s and evolved from electronic filing and tax preparation into building and leading his own tax and accounting practice. Along the way, he earned both his Enrolled Agent (EA) designation and became an Oregon Licensed Tax Consultant.
He joined our team to reconnect and collaborate with colleagues he had worked with previously. Known for his depth of knowledge and commitment to client service, Carl enjoys helping people find clarity and confidence through every stage of the tax process.
Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking and playing keyboards and has performed in a variety of bands over the years.
Client Services II
Jennifer joined our team in late 2025, bringing industry experience, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for helping others. She was drawn to our company because of the welcoming culture she experienced from the very beginning.
Jennifer enjoys meeting new people, solving problems, and helping clients navigate their needs. Whether she’s answering questions, finding solutions, or simply brightening someone’s day, she takes pride in creating positive experiences and making meaningful connections.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys road trips, sightseeing, spending time with friends and family, and playing video games. She and her husband share their home with three cats who keep them entertained with their playful antics and endless personalities.
Client Service Manager
After joining us in a seasonal role during the 2025 tax season, Vicky was drawn to join our team because of the genuine care we show our clients, our commitment to continuous learning, and the positive impact we strive to make in our community.
As Client Services Manager, Vicky knows that every interaction matters. With previous experience as an Administrative Assistant and Logistics Coordinator, she enjoys finding ways to improve processes behind the scenes, helping create a smoother, more positive experience for both clients and team members.
Outside of work, Vicky loves calling the Pacific Northwest home, with beaches, mountains, cities, and countryside all within a few hours’ drive. She enjoys paper quilling, playing video games with her husband and teenage son, and spending time with her two feline companions and large extended family.