Crystal Cavender brings years of experience in business development, relationship building, marketing, recruiting, client service, and leadership to her role at Edwards & Associates. She focuses on building relationships throughout the dental community, developing strategic referral partnerships and connecting dentists with the financial, tax, accounting and advisory resources they need.
Her career has spanned several relationship-driven industries, including physician recruiting, fitness and wellness, franchise ownership, and aesthetics and regenerative medicine. She also spent time as both a Dallas Mavericks Dancer and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, experiences that helped shape her approach to teamwork, communication and representing an organization. A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, she is a member of the Association for Accounting Marketing and the Women’s Finance Exchange.
For Crystal, business development is ultimately about helping people. She enjoys getting to know dentists and other professionals, learning about their businesses and goals, and making useful connections. Sometimes that means introducing someone to E&A, and other times, it means connecting them with another person or resource who can help. Her role at E&A is also a homecoming of sorts: she worked with the firm about a decade ago and is excited to be back in a new capacity.
Outside the office, Crystal lives in Dallas with her husband, Nate, their daughter, and rescue dogs Kai and Mauka. She enjoys fitness, health and wellness, traveling, and spending time with family.
Fun Facts
- She appeared on CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team and was a contestant on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
- Her time as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader included traveling overseas with the USO.
- Her dream travel destinations include Mallorca, Spain, and the Jordan River.
- She’d cast Rachel McAdams to play her in a movie about her life.
- She’s definitely a dog person and, if forced into a talent show, would choose dancing over singing.
Crystal brings more than 10 years of accounting experience to Edwards & Associates, where she enjoys taking on new challenges and continuously expanding her knowledge. Before joining the firm, she worked as a tax accountant and built a strong foundation in accounting across a variety of roles. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwood University with concentrations in Marketing, Accounting, and Management, giving her a well-rounded perspective on business operations and financial reporting.
Known for her “you name it, I’ll learn it” attitude, Crystal enjoys the variety that comes with working in public accounting, where no two days are the same and every new project presents an opportunity to learn something new. Her adaptability, strong analytical skills, and commitment to continuous growth help her provide dependable support to both her teammates and clients.
Fun Facts
- Crystal was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and now lives in Mansfield, Texas.
- She’s the youngest of six siblings, with five brothers and one sister.
- Crystal’s entrepreneurial spirit started early. She sold ice cream and candy in her neighborhood as a child.
- She enjoys concerts, comedy shows, and basketball, and her favorite class in school was band, where she played the saxophone.
- If she could travel anywhere in the world, she’d choose the Maldives.
Ashley Green is a Bookkeeper at Edwards & Associates who brings valuable firsthand dental practice experience to the firm. She holds a Certified Dental Assistant license, and before transitioning into accounting, she worked as both a dental assistant and a front office receptionist. This firsthand experience gives her a unique understanding of the operational side of dental practices and the importance of accurate financial information.
Ashley enjoys being part of a supportive team and appreciates the flexibility of working remotely. She loves knowing her work helps dental practices stay organized and financially healthy while continuing to grow her own accounting knowledge and experience.
Fun Facts
- Ashley is an East Texas native and still calls Tyler home.
- She loves spending time outdoors kayaking, hiking, swimming, and enjoying nature.
- Home decorating is one of her favorite creative outlets.
- If she could vacation anywhere, she’d choose a beach with crystal-clear water.
- The way to her heart is through Rocky Road, her favorite ice cream flavor.
Scarlett is a Senior Tax Associate with more than seven years of accounting experience, including several years serving clients in public accounting. She prepares federal and state tax returns, assists with tax planning and research, responds to IRS notices, and provides accounting services for dental practices. Scarlett earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MBA in Accounting from Dallas Baptist University. She is also a CPA exam candidate who enjoys the challenge of staying current with ever-changing tax laws.
Throughout her career, Scarlett has worked across a variety of industries, including real estate, retail, manufacturing, finance, and public accounting. Those experiences helped her discover that public accounting is where her strengths and interests are best aligned. She enjoys helping clients navigate complex tax issues, find practical solutions, and make informed financial decisions. Scarlett also values the collaborative culture and supportive team environment at Edwards & Associates, where she can apply her analytical thinking and problem-solving skills while learning and growing professionally.
Fun Facts
- Originally from Shandong Province, China, Scarlett now lives in Frisco, Texas.
- She enjoys traveling, especially cruises and trips to Disney and Universal Studios.
- Outside the office, you’ll often find her painting, hiking, camping, or playing pickleball.
- Scarlett loves trying new restaurants and exploring different cultures.
- Her dream destination is Switzerland, where she’d love to experience the country’s mountain scenery and lakes firsthand.
Meet Edward Salinas, one of our newest team members! 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Edward. On top of beginning his career at Edwards & Associates, he also graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in May.
As a Staff Accountant, Edward’s responsibilities include tax preparation for individuals and small businesses, managing bookkeeping and payroll, and supporting the team with tax planning strategies. His detail-oriented mindset, commitment to learning, and problem-solving skills are a great asset to our team.
Edward is proud to call Mesquite home, where he enjoys spending time with his tight-knit family. Outside work, he’s active in his church and ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) and loves watching movies and collecting Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon cards.
Fun Facts:
- A music lover at heart, Edward grew up performing in band, orchestra, and choir. He even won an award – All Region for Choir.
- How many Edwards? Edward’s older brother, Eric, is Eric Edward Salinas, Edward is Edward Eric Salinas, and Edward works at Edwards & Associates! Confused yet?
- If life were a movie, he’d be honored to have Ryan Gosling play him — though Gosling might need to brush up on his accounting and card-collecting skills!
- Edward’s favorite book is The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Did you know the only character who appears in each of the seven books is Aslan?
- Edward enjoys potatoes so much that if given a ticket to go anywhere on planet Earth, he would go straight to Idaho. He sure loves his spuds!
With more than 25 years of accounting experience, Andrea Spillman brings a steady and skilled hand to her role as a Client Accounting Specialist at Edwards & Associates. Her extensive background as an A/R specialist and bookkeeper has honed her expertise in back-office operations, data organization, and fine-tuning financial processes. Certified in QuickBooks Desktop, Enterprise, and Online, Andrea combines technical proficiency with practical problem-solving to ensure efficiency and precision for her clients.
A proud graduate of Texas Woman’s University, Andrea grew up in Double Oak and now calls Denton home. When she’s not solving financial puzzles, she stays connected to nature as a member of the Denton Beekeepers Association and enjoys raising honeybees, riding horses, and painting.
Fun Facts:
- Andrea used to sell houses but has since traded floor plans for spreadsheets — turns out, numbers are much easier to wrangle than homebuyers.
- She’s team cat but keeps things diplomatic; a wagging tail still gets her attention.
- Europe is her ultimate bucket-list destination; any country will do, so long as there’s charm and chocolate cake (her favorite!).
- What’s up, Doc? Can you guess Andrea’s favorite cartoon?
With 22 years of experience at Edwards & Associates, Jennifer is a seasoned Senior Accounting Manager known for her meticulous work and problem-solving skills. Jennifer specializes in preparing and reviewing financial statements, handling business and personal tax returns, and providing exceptional client service.
Before joining Edwards & Associates, Jennifer wore many hats at a general and cosmetic dental practice. She assisted both the dental and hygiene departments, handled front desk responsibilities, and later transitioned into roles involving billing, collections, and insurance. This comprehensive experience equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support our clients’ unique needs.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in accounting and finance from Texas Woman’s University, where she took microbiology and biochemistry for fun (really!) and graduated Cum Laude. Originally from Carrollton, TX, Jennifer now resides in McKinney with her husband, Patrick, and their son.
Outside of work, Jennifer is an avid sports fan, particularly of men’s professional basketball, football, golf, and soccer, as well as men’s college football and basketball. She’s been a dedicated Dallas Mavericks fan since the early ’80s. Her hobbies also include watching movies, enjoying true-crime documentaries, reading, going on hunting trips, trying new foods and restaurants, and relaxing by water, whether that be a beach or pool.
Fun Facts
- If accounting didn’t exist, Jennifer would trade her calculator for a scalpel and become a forensic pathologist!
- Jennifer dreams of visiting Bora Bora, and with her hidden talent for packing, you can bet she would not only remember to pack everything, but she’d probably get it all into a carry-on with room for souvenirs.
- Jennifer’s favorite superhero is Wonder Woman. Did you know her iconic Lasso of Truth was inspired by creator William Moulton Marston’s work in developing the polygraph test?
- Hand Jennifer the mic (just don’t plug it in). Her lip-sync performances are spot-on!
- Jennifer’s love for math started early, but an Accounting 1 class in college turned into a lifelong passion.
Since joining Edwards & Associates in 2018, Madelynn has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of dental practice finances and a commitment to client service. In her current role as Accounting Manager, she supports project coordination, reviews financial statements for accuracy, and helps ensure smooth day-to-day operations across the team. Madelynn is known for balancing big-picture thinking with careful attention to detail—skills that make her a reliable resource for both clients and colleagues. She assists with onboarding new staff, monitors project timelines, and works to ensure clients receive timely, technically sound service. A QuickBooks and QBO pro, Madelynn continues to turn numbers into insight and complexity into clarity for the firm’s clients.
A proud alumna of North Greenville University, Madelynn holds a BS in Accounting with minors in Finance and Economics. Outside of her professional life, Madelynn has a zest for anything with two wheels. She’s always on the move, whether mountain biking, dirt biking, road biking, or road racing. Additionally, she enjoys soccer and running and has a unique hobby of building Lego flowers. Madelynn hails from McKinney, TX, but now calls Dallas home.
Fun Facts
- While some may argue about its planetary status, Madelynn’s favorite celestial orb is Pluto. Everyone loves an underdog—er, underplanet!
- When it comes to desserts, Madelynn doesn’t discriminate. And yes, chocolate is officially her favorite “vegetable”!
- As an avid fan of NCIS, it’s no shock that Madelynn once dreamed of becoming a police officer. Her love for American history probably adds a little detective flare.
- What do Madelynn and Yo-Yo Ma have in common? The cello! Madelynn has been playing since she was 9.
- Madelynn considers herself a dog person, but her precious Whiskeys opened her heart up to cats.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of North Texas, Kristian completed a two-year internship with Edwards & Associates. In 2019, he joined us as a Staff Accountant where he handles everything from personal financial statements to comprehensive tax plans and returns.
Kristian chose this career as a practical fit for his personality and the opportunity to utilize his skills—meticulous attention to detail and a solid analytical brain. He thrives on learning and solving problems independently. However, his focus extends beyond mere numbers; Kristian is committed to helping people better understand their finances too.
Originally from Plano, TX, Kristian now resides in Aubrey with his wife and two children. Kristian has a hidden talent for playing the electric guitar and is a self-proclaimed foodie. An avid strength trainer and fitness enthusiast, he lifts heavy weights to even heavier music.
Fun Facts
- If Kristian could pick any planet as his favorite, it would be Earth because there’s no place like home… especially when home has Blackberry cobbler and Texas Honey Whiskey ice cream (thanks, Beth Marie’s)!
- His favorite class in school was Geometry. There’s just something about shapes and angles that “fit” him perfectly!
- When it comes to pets, Kristian is definitely a dog person.
- Given the chance to travel anywhere, Kristian would head straight to Norway to see the stunning fjords, Northern Lights, and some Viking metal!
Since 2016, Erika has been pivotal in managing client financials and taxes, using her consulting expertise to address complex issues. She specializes in creating personalized financial plans that empower clients to achieve their business goals. Erika is known for her calm demeanor, attention to detail, and strategic approach.
Erika didn’t intend to go into accounting; she planned on pursuing engineering. However, when she discovered that her college didn’t offer the program she was looking for, she decided to shift gears and put her life-long love of math to work toward an accounting degree. In just four years, she graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Erika is now a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and possesses a CPA license.
Originally from Rowlett, Texas, Erika now calls Portland, Oregon home. As a former college soccer player, Erika stays active in a variety of sports and never misses the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. A self-declared foodie, she enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking new meals, and visiting craft breweries. When Erika wants to engage her competitive spirit, she plays strategy board games, and when she gets restless, she loves to travel!
Fun Facts
- Ice cream may not be Erika’s jam, but cookies — now that’s a different story.
- Erika’s favorite author is pop-culture essayist Chuck Klosterman.
- Vietnam is at the top of Erika’s travel list. From lush valleys and stunning coastlines to renowned cuisine and vibrant culture, she will have a blast exploring it all when the time comes!
Ash Faizullah serves as Team Leader at Edwards & Associates, overseeing advisory services, tax and financial reporting, and due diligence. With a decade of experience in various accounting positions, Ash has been with Edwards & Associates since 2016. His specialties include financial advisory, start-ups, real estate, and debt leverage. Ash also hosts the firm’s podcast, Beyond Bitewings.
Looking back, Ash realized his career journey began with a game of Monopoly — call it love at first roll. He always enjoyed the financial angle of the game. As he got older, he realized the best way to get a deeper understanding of this world would be via the language of business, accounting. To that end, Ash pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas. Throughout his academic journey, he joined prestigious organizations such as Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Alpha Psi, and Beta Gamma Sigma. Ash always knew he would enjoy helping clients realize their financial goals — what he didn’t expect was how much he would appreciate the relationship-building piece.
Born in Southeast Asia, Ash now resides in Forney, TX, with his loving wife, who is a mental health counselor. Ash enjoys traveling, working on JDM cars, and engaging in DIY projects in his free time. He also serves his community as a North Texas Food Bank volunteer.
Fun Facts
- If talent shows had a category for transforming mundane paper into miniature masterpieces, Ash would clinch the top prize every time. His origami skills aren’t just impressive — they’re an art form.
- What’s cooler than being fluent in five languages? Doing it for fun. Ash is a polyglot who collects languages like others collect stamps.
- Ash’s favorite podcast is “Beyond Bitewings.” (What did you expect?)
- While some may gravitate towards fantastical epics when naming their favorite movie, Ash prefers the grounded brilliance of “Cinderella Man.”
- If Ash could pack his bags and go anywhere, he’d choose New Zealand. With its stunning landscapes and adventure opportunities, it’s his dream destination.