Tiffany Roque joined the Edwards & Associates team in 2024, bringing with her a diverse skill set developed over 15 years in various roles, including sales, accounts receivable, and mortgage specialist positions. In her current role as an Administrative Assistant, Tiffany takes great care to ensure that all tasks are handled efficiently and accurately.
Originally from Tom Green County, Tiffany now proudly calls Dallas her home. Outside of work, Tiffany loves to bake, crochet, and enjoy a good book. She also treasures the moments spent with her wonderful husband and five children.
Fun Facts
- Did you know Tiffany ran a 5k in 2019? She might just be the perfect running partner if you’re looking for some inspiration and company on the trails.
- Tiffany’s go-to ice cream flavor is rocky road. Did you know: After the stock market crash of 1929, William Dreyer and Joseph Edy gave the flavor its current name to “give folks something to smile about in the midst of the Great Depression.”
- Her all-time favorite movie is the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, the original story on which it is based is credited to French writer, Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.
- As a little girl, Tiffany dreamed of becoming a pastry chef. Combine this with her love of algebra, and it’s a match made in heaven.
Since a young age, Halina has been inspired by her grandfather, who worked at the IRS in Vietnam. His influence sparked her interest in tax accounting and set her on a path to pursue a similar career. Today, Halina is an Assistant Tax Manager at Edwards & Associates, where she handles complex tax laws and regulations, including tax compliance, planning, research and analysis, and tax return preparation.
With nearly 10 years of accounting experience, Halina finds immense fulfillment in helping clients optimize their financial situations while ensuring compliance and maximizing tax benefits. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting, and her recent CPA licensure has solidified her expertise, enabling her to enhance strategies for tax savings, planning, and compliance.
Originally from Bien Hoa, Vietnam, Halina now resides in Frisco with her two sons, who share her love of exploring new places and cultures. Outside the office, Halina stays active through hiking, nurtures her creative side with flower arranging, and experiments with flavors by creating delicious meals for friends and family.
Fun Facts
- Halina had a tough time deciding between her favorite colors, pink and blue, so she decided to create the perfect compromise with purple.
- When picking her dream team, Halina looks to both Thor and Superwoman to save the world!
- While strawberry ice cream holds a special place in her heart, Halina just can’t say no to a slice of cheesecake or a perfectly torched crème brûlée.
- Unlike many of her classmates, Halina adored math growing up. Algebra, geometry, calculus—you name it, she solved it!
- Exploring Europe is high on Halina’s bucket list. With its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, who can blame her?
Matthew Terry joined Edwards & Associates in 2023, fulfilling a lifelong desire for a career in the financial space. At Edwards & Associates, he enjoys working in the accounting world while expanding his knowledge, particularly in taxes. Matthew’s primary responsibilities include preparing financial information for review and reconciliation. Known for his keen attention to detail and commitment to task completion, Matthew is instrumental in client success.
Before joining Edwards & Associates, Matthew gained experience as a total loss insurance associate and security professional. In his spare time, he enjoys working with his hands, on cars to computers to home improvement projects. Matthew is also a avid bowler and regularly meets with his friends at the lanes to hone his game.
Fun Facts
- Matthew has a whopping 19 uncles on his mother’s side. And get this—two of them are younger than he is!
- Unlike some, Matthew’s the guy who happily reaches for the green foods at the dinner table – his favorite? Green beans!
- When it’s time to kick back and unwind, you’ll find Matthew watching Lucifer on Netflix or jamming to Linkin Park.
- If Matthew’s life were turned into a movie, Jonah Hill would get the leading role because of his versatility.
- In school, Matthew thrived in computer maintenance and science classes. Not surprising considering his passion for understanding how things work.
Traci Lopez is an administrative powerhouse and 10-year veteran of Edwards & Associates. After learning the E&A ropes as Robert Edwards’ executive assistant, Traci was promoted to Firm Administrator, where she now manages various functions, including human resources, accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and firm management.
Throughout her 15-year career, Traci has focused on honing her organizational, leadership, and strategic planning skills. She takes great pride in the fact that her role allows her to positively impact the firm by improving processes, increasing efficiency, and supporting the E&A team. Traci holds a Public Accounting Firm Management (PAFM) certification and stays up to date on industry best practices through her involvement with the Dallas Accounting Association (DAA), the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA), and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Traci’s life motto is “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” which is good advice for us all. (Can you name the movie?) When she isn’t steering the ship at Edwards & Associates, you can find Traci engrossed in a good book, hitting the bowling lanes, or creating special memories with her son and grandson.
Fun Facts:
- Germany holds a special place in her heart, not just as a dream destination, but also as her birthplace!
- Avocados might be trendy, but Traci is not a fan. (Not even guacamole!) When she wants something green, she goes for asparagus and brussels sprouts.
- Despite its controversial demotion, Traci firmly believes that Pluto is still a planet. Don’t even try to convince her otherwise!
- At just 5 years old, Traci dreamed of becoming a teacher like her grandmother.
- Traci’s music taste is as eclectic as it gets. Imagine a playlist that rocks out with Def Leppard, howls with The Monkees, shakes it off with Taylor Swift, and finishes with the Smoky Mountain Songbirg, Dolly Parton.
Lorraine Kent, a seasoned Tax Manager at Edwards & Associates with over three decades in public accounting, is an invaluable resource to clients and colleagues. Specializing in federal and state income tax compliance, Lorraine provides expert consultations on complex tax issues, reviews tax returns for accuracy, and ensures exceptional, tailored client service. In addition to her technical role, she is a training and development specialist for the Edwards & Associates team.
Lorraine’s journey into the world of tax management began in an unexpected way. After starting her career selling above-ground swimming pools and equipment, she transitioned into investment and financial accounting. It was during her first public accounting position that she inadvertently discovered her talent for tax work. Lorraine holds a B.S. in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University NY, Long Island Campus, and earned her CPA designation in 1993. She is an active member of professional organizations such as AICPA and TXCPA, where she also contributes to the Involvement Committee.
When she’s not serving clients or training new tax staff, Lorraine enjoys cheering on the Dallas Stars and attending other sporting events, gardening, pickleball, and travel. Originally from Medford, NY, Lorraine now resides in Plano, TX, with her husband of 24 years and their two young adult daughters.
Fun Facts:
- Lorraine is a second-generation Irish American. All four of her grandparents emigrated through Ellis Island around 1930, making her eligible for Irish citizenship.
- Lorraine’s favorite author is the master of horror, Stephen King. Her favorite singer is the Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. But her favorite movie is Adam Sandler’s The Wedding Singer. (That’s not where we thought it was going!)
- If she won the lottery, the first thing Lorraine would buy is a beach house.
- Her favorite vacation was a Mediterranean Cruise through Italy, but now she’s got her sights set on Northern Europe.
- Like the true Gen X member she is, Lorraine wore a pink 1980s-style dress to prom—think puffy sleeves and layers of tulle.
Since joining the Edwards & Associates team in 2022, Amber James has provided exceptional support to our clients and team. With a career spanning more than 30 years in administrative support, Amber uses her comprehensive skill set to create excellent client experiences, support team leaders, and enhance organizational processes. “As an Administrative Assistant, my personal value increases when I work in service to others.”
Before embarking on her career in administration, Amber earned her associate’s degree in paralegal studies and held positions as a Jr. Paralegal and Medical Assistant.
Outside of her professional life, Amber enjoys home organization, watching movies, and spending time with her nieces. Originally hailing from Dallas, Amber now resides in Hickory Creek with her husband, Michael, and their two fur babies. Amber volunteers with several organizations, including the ASCPA, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, National Scleroderma Foundation, Rise School of Dallas, and Head for the Cure.
Fun Facts:
- Amber’s favorite color is gray. Do you know people who love the color gray are often seen as the perfect diplomats? They’re great at staying neutral in any situation, like mediating a debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
- Ironman takes the top spot in Amber’s heart when it comes to superheroes.
- Among all the veggies, broccoli reigns supreme for Amber.
- While Amber loves anything by James Patterson, “Seinlanguage” by Jerry Seinfeld holds a special place on her bookshelf.
- Amber never misses an episode of “Criminal Minds” or her favorite podcast, “Murder in America”—places where intrigue and suspense are constant companions.
Since joining the Edwards & Associates team in 2023, Hayleigh has become a valued member of the staff accountant team. Her responsibilities include entering credit card and bank statements, performing reconciliations, adjusting journal entries, preparing financial statements, organizing and saving data requests, and maintaining effective communication with the team. Hayleigh originally wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, so providing accounting services to dental practices is a match made in heaven!
Before joining our team, Hayleigh gained experience at Goldman Sachs, where she served as an Internal Audit Analyst, and Baker Tilly, where she worked as an Accounting Assistant. Hayleigh holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Outside of work, Hayleigh is an avid runner and yoga enthusiast. When it’s time to wind down, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family. Originally from Plano, TX, Hayleigh now resides in Dallas where she volunteers at the Second Chance SPCA animal shelter.
Fun Facts:
- Hayleigh is left-handed but plays sports right-handed. She used both hands, however, to play volleyball from elementary school through high school.
- While she admits to loving the unique color combination of yellow and purple, Hayleigh does not mention the LA Lakers or Minnesota Vikings.
- Growing up, Hayleigh loved math class…almost as much as she loved recess!
- Hayleigh is admittedly a dog person but also can’t resist the charm of cats.
- With its epic sunsets, diverse ecosystems, and endless recreation, visiting Hawaii is at the top of Hayleigh’s bucket list!
Meet Arneshia Murphy, Staff Accountant at Edwards & Associates. In her role, Arneshia is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for our clients, managing the reporting and valuation of business personal property, ensuring precise and efficient data processing, and tackling unique challenges while contributing to strategic initiatives through special projects. With a keen eye for detail and a data-driven mindset, Arneshia provides insightful financial analyses and excels in forecasting and strategy. “I love working with numbers and analyzing data. There’s something incredibly satisfying about uncovering insights that can drive better business decisions.”
Before joining Edwards & Associates, Arneshia served five years in the United States military, including four years of active duty and one year in the Air Force Reserves. Arneshia holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Arneshia resides in Dallas and is a self-proclaimed workaholic. When she does disconnect, she loves spending time with her close-knit family and traveling.
Fun Facts:
- Arneshia loves the thrill of crime – in her movies, of course!
- Cookies and cream reigns supreme in Arneshia’s opinion.
- Arneshia loved math in school. Numbers and equations? Bring them on!
- Given a chance to travel anywhere, she’d choose the world’s sixth-largest country, Australia. Koalas, kangaroos, and digeridoos await!
- Her favorite movie line? “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Can you guess who said it?
With a career spanning more than 30 years, Madison Poe brings expertise and a unique perspective to Edwards & Associates. Madison’s journey began in her father’s orthodontist practice, where she worked in administration. Later, when she saw an ad for an accountant with dental industry experience, she thought, “What are the odds of that?” and seized the opportunity to put her institutional knowledge and education to work at Edwards & Associates.
Within the firm, Madison is known for her exceptional organizational skills and genuine love of people. Her role, as she humorously describes it, involves “all of it”—from ensuring client satisfaction to upholding the firm’s commitment to excellence and service. Madison is a credentialed CPA and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Administration.
When she’s not working with clients, Madison enjoys life on her multigenerational hobby farm surrounded by family and flock, including chickens, bees, and goats. She is also an active member of her church community and a passionate traveler.
Fun Facts:
- If she could have any superpower, Madison would choose teleportation. Given her love for travel, it’s no wonder she wants to skip the lines at airport security!
- Madison has a special place in her heart for chocolate ice cream and strawberry shortcake. It’s safe to say she’s got dessert priorities straight!
- If a movie is ever made about Madison’s life, she’d like Kathy Bates to play her.
- Forced to participate in a talent show, Madison would showcase her impressive ability to “close the door on her way out.” It’s all about making an exit with style!
- Madison’s dream travel destination is Hogwarts. She’s still waiting for that owl with her acceptance letter—any day now!
With more than 20 years of administrative experience, Carol Merritt has been an invaluable member of Edwards & Associates since joining us in August 2009. As our Front Office Coordinator, Carol ensures we run a smooth operation, from managing billing, collections, statements, and e-file tax returns to providing a friendly and professional atmosphere for our clients and staff. Before joining Edwards & Associates, Carol honed her skills as an administrative assistant at an advertising agency and another CPA firm.
Originally from Irving, Texas, Carol now calls McKinney home. She is an active member of her church and enjoys spending her free time watching sports, working out at the gym, and creating memories with her husband and son.
Fun Facts:
- Carol’s favorite color is black, but here’s the dilemma—what do you do when your blacks don’t match?
- Her favorite number is 10, which makes sense because she’s always aiming for perfection!
- Carol’s favorite planet is Jupiter. Did you know that if Jupiter were a hollow shell, 1,000 Earths could fit inside?
- While cookies and cream ice cream is her ultimate flavor, cheesecake is her favorite dessert. So, what happens when she encounters cookies and cream cheesecake? Pure, unadulterated bliss—or perhaps a minor existential crisis!
- Carol would want Reese Witherspoon to portray her in her biopic. But which Reese? Legally Blonde Reese? Sweet Home Alabama Reese? Sing Reese? The possibilities are endless!
Meet Meka Edwards, our committed and energetic Executive Administrative Assistant.
With more than 20 years of operational experience, Meka is an invaluable part of our
team. She expertly juggles office administration and supports our executive leadership
team, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. In addition to these core
competencies, her specialties include organizational excellence, SOP development, and
project management.
Meka’s professional gifts are best explained by her diverse background. Before joining
our ranks, Meka successfully ran an event planning company and served as a Level III
Administrative Assistant for the U.S. government. She was also recognized for her
unwavering commitment to excellence by KPMG with the Bravo Award.
Outside the office, Meka has a passion for crafting, a talent for painting, and an
insatiable desire to help others. In addition to her involvement with the DFW Alliance of
Black Accountants, Meka is also a licensed minister and enjoys lending her event
planning skills when the opportunity arises. Meka strongly advocates for continuous
learning and personal growth.
Fun Facts:
- While her best vacation was to Edelweiss, Germany, Meka has her sights set on Switzerland for her next adventure.
- As a young girl, Meka dreamt of becoming a hairstylist. She received her cosmetology license when she graduated from high school. Creativity has always been part of her DNA!
- Meka loves reading liner notes and dancing to the smooth sound of a turntable doing its thing.