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?
Jennifer Winningham plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly as an Administrative Assistant at Edwards & Associates. With a background spanning customer service to facilities coordination, she’s built a toolkit of skills — from multitasking and relationship building to being a Microsoft Office whiz. Jennifer has a knack for handling the little tasks that make a big impact, always eager to learn and grow along the way.
Her love for support roles began in high school, inspired by a favorite speech teacher and hands-on experience as a teacher’s aide. That early spark led her to pursue an associate’s degree in business management at Collin College.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys creating digital art, discovering new music, and leveling up her gaming skills. She’s dedicated to improving her yoga practice, and you’ll often find her at Lifetime Fitness. At home, she shares life with Axel, a rescue kitten she raised from just two weeks old, now her loyal and playful companion.
Fun Facts:
- Jennifer is mostly ambidextrous — a rare and *handy* skill. Yes, the pun was intended.
- Once, as a teen, she bravely wrangled a snake out of the family chicken coop. (The chickens were grateful, if not entirely smitten.)
- Jennifer has a lifelong love affair with Texas. From Allen to McKinney to Farmersville, and now Dallas, this state has always had her heart…and her address.
- Despite her snake-handling heroics, Jennifer draws the line at flying, stinging insects. Bees and wasps? Hard pass.
- Green is her favorite color, but she’s not settling for just *any* green. Chartreuse, olive, and forest green reign supreme.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas, Edward kicked off his career as an intern at Edwards & Associates. Since 2021, he has been sharpening his research and prep skills to calculate client taxes faster than you can say “deductions!” Edward’s favorite aspect of his role is the problem-solving component. For him, accounting is like piecing together a puzzle, and he finds great satisfaction in finding the perfect fit for clients.
Edward is a proud Dallas native. When he’s not crunching numbers, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, especially camping. Edward also has a keen interest in cars, racing, and trucking. When he’s not exploring nature or the latest automotive trends, you might find him listening to his favorite music.
Fun facts
- Edward’s favorite author is transgressional fiction writer Chuck Palahniuk. Unsurprisingly, his favorite movie is Fight Club.
- Edward’s favorite number is 37. Did you know that when you multiply 37 by any multiple of 3 (up to 27), the resulting product’s digits add up to 9? For instance, 37 x 3 = 111 (1+1+1 = 3), 37 x 6 = 222 (2+2+2 = 6), and 37 x 9 = 333 (3+3+3 = 9).
- Edward enjoys the whimsical adventures and insightful yet humorous commentary on life through the eyes of a boy and his stuffed tiger, Calvin and Hobbes.
- Despite having a sweet tooth for Butter Pecan ice cream and Tres Leches cake, Edward also loves to reach for Popeye’s favorite vegetable: Spinach.
- Edward is honored to be the “World’s Best Cat Dad.”
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 as a staff accountant in 2018, Madelynn has proven to be a valuable asset that truly understands the dental industry and possesses the financial know-how needed to help our clients reach their financial goals. As a Team Leader, Madelynn’s core responsibilities include preparing monthly financials and tax returns, ensuring consistent and effective client communication, and delivering valuable consulting services and advice to dental practices. Her ability to assess the big picture while still paying attention to details is a rare skill loved by her clients and team members alike. Madelynn has advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and QuickBooks Online and enjoys spinning client data into business gold.
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.
Martin’s passion for math and problem-solving began at an early age so when he was ready to choose a career, accounting was an easy decision. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas, Martin joined Edwards & Associates as Staff Accountant. Since 2022, he has taken on important tasks like data entry, preparing financial statements, and handling tax preparations. Martin is QBO-certified and loves diving into the workings of different businesses. “I enjoy helping our clients get a better idea of how their business is performing and the changes they can make to improve it.”
Originally from Dallas, Martin now resides in Garland. In his free time, Martin likes to spend time with his friends and family – from trying out different restaurants to having cookouts to taking road trips. When he’s not spending time with others, he likes to listen to music and lift weights.
Fun Facts
- Martin’s favorite number is zero, because sometimes, nothing can mean everything.
- While most people root for Earth, Martin’s favorite planet is the underdog of the solar system — Pluto.
- Batman is Martin’s ultimate superhero. No superpowers? No problem. He can do it all with wit, gadgets, and a brooding complexity.
- At age five, Martin didn’t dream of being a firefighter or an astronaut. He wanted to be a T-Rex.
- When it comes to pets, Martin’s a dog person. When it comes to his favorite dog, it’s a hot dog. But what’s his favorite hot dog? Chicago-style? Classic Coney? Dragged through the garden? We guess you’ll just have to ask him!
With more than two decades of experience, Tax Associate Theresa Baumann combines her passion for numbers with her deep expertise to provide excellent customer support, help clients resolve tax-related software issues, and ensure all filings are accurate and compliant with current tax laws and regulations. She thrives on the ever-changing challenges of the tax world – there’s never a dull day in tax!
Theresa graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of the Southwest. From there, she started her tax career working for a small tax firm in Hobbs, New Mexico, then moved to Thomson Reuters where she developed test plans, ensured tax compliance, and sharpened her technical and analytical skills.
Originally from Post, Texas, a town famously founded by cereal magnate C.W. Post, Theresa now calls Rowlett home. But there’s more to Theresa than just numbers. She’s a DIY enthusiast who enjoys painting, tiling, upholstering, sewing, and refinishing furniture. When she’s not crunching numbers or working on a project, you’ll find her crafting, sewing, or exploring new destinations.
Theresa also volunteers at Genesis Women’s Shelter and the North Texas Food Bank, embodying the spirit of community service, and is a proud mother of two sons and a loving grandmother to five grandchildren.
Fun Facts
- Theresa isn’t just a Star Wars fan; she can quote every line, knows the Kessel Run’s exact distance (12 parsecs, duh), and has strong opinions on which trilogy reigns supreme.
- Like musical legends Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, Theresa is proficient at trumpet and piano. This dual talent showcases her versatility and places her in the company of some of the greatest musicians in history.
- While Theresa is a dedicated dog person, she admits that outside cats can be sweet, too.
- Theresa dreams of exploring Scotland and Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and rich histories. These destinations are at the top of her travel bucket list.
- Although Theresa is a better singer than dancer, if asked to entertain an audience, she’d confidently reach for her trumpet.
Becky joined Edwards & Associates in 2015 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a BBA in Finance. After switching her major from architecture to general business, she took a finance class with an exceptional professor. It was there Becky discovered a passion for accounting. The rest, as they say, is history.
Becky’s role at Edwards & Associates is not just about numbers and financials. As a Senior Account Professional, team leader, and loan compliance officer, she guides and supports her team, ensuring the smooth operation of financial processes. She enjoys solving clients’ financial challenges and presenting a polished, completed set of financials – she also can’t resist the feeling of adding numbers on a 10-key!
Born in Germany to Army parents, she now calls Sunray home. Her hobbies include collecting Lego plants (she can’t keep real ones alive), caring for her axolotl, crafting, puzzles, and reading. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children too.
Fun Facts
- No matter where she is or what she’s doing, you’ll probably find Becky sitting cross-legged. Comfort over convention, always!
- While some folks love pickles and mustard, Becky would rather pass. She wishes she didn’t hate them, but that’s her culinary truth!
- Her resume is a treasure trove of quirky jobs—from a vet clinic office worker to a baggage clerk at Tom Thumb, a sales associate at American Eagle, a secretary at Hernandez HVAC, and even a cashier at Fazoli’s.
- Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Becky’s favorite cartoon character, that’s who!
- If she could travel anywhere, it would be to the West Coast to see those majestic giant sequoias.