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Our People

Kathleen Bernards, CPA

Founder, President and Managing Partner of the firm. Kathy holds a Linfield College degree. She has been a CPA since 1974 with experience in all areas of the practice. Under her leadership, the professional staff lives out the firm’s commitment to community service.

Elizabeth (Liz) Penrose, CPA

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Liz began work while a student at Linfield and has spent the majority of her professional career with the firm after obtaining her CPA license in 1995. She has great appreciation for the collaboration that is enabled by a team structure in which everyone is valued for the services they provide. Her professional background includes extensive experience in tax and assurance services with clientele that includes individuals, businesses, estates and trusts, exempt organizations, and local governments.

Karen Bryan, Bookkeeper & Payroll Clerk

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Karen joined the firm in 2005 as the Bookkeeping & Payroll/Administrative Assistant with over 25 years of experience

Sandra Cutler, Office Manager/Accountant

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Sandy joined the firm in 2005 as the Office Administrator. Prior to joining Bernards, CPA Sandy served as an Office Manager/Bookkeeper at a promotional products company, and before that spent over 15 years in the banking industry.

Kaira Liston
Staff Accountant

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Kaira interned with the firm for two years, then started full-time in 2015 after graduating with a BA in Accounting from Linfield. Kaira enjoys working on tax services, particularly for individuals and businesses.

Ann Meyer
Staff Accountant

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Ann joined the firm in the fall of 2020, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in public accounting. She holds a BA degree in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento and specializes in Corporate accounting.

Annie Chavez, Senior Accountant

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Annie joined the firm as an intern in 2020 and transitioned to a full-time role after earning her B.A. in Accounting from Linfield University. She enjoys providing tax services and values being part of Bernards, CPA.

Laura Heryford, Intermediate Accountant

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Laura joined the firm as an intern in 2024. She started full-time after graduating from Linfield with a BS in Accounting and a BA in Finance. Laura loves working with the Bernards team and on tax services.

Yahaira Rodriguez, Data Tech & Accountant

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Yahaira joined the firm as an intern in 2025. She started full-time after graduating from Linfield University with a BS in Economics. She enjoys the variety that public accounting offers and working with the team at Bernards, CPA.

Riley Buckley, Junior Accountant

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Riley joined the firm as an intern over summer break in 2024, then started full-time in 2025 after graduating with a B.S. in Accounting from Oregon State University. She is excited to meet all the clients, and for the opportunities to grow in the firm.

Val Woods,
Office Admin

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Val joined the firm in 2023. She came to the job with 35 years’ experience with 3 local non- profit organizations. Val loves working at Bernards CPA because of the positive environment and wonderful clients.

Beverly Knutz, Office Admin

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Bev joined the firm in 2024. Bev is a McMinnville native. She has 50+ years' experience working at a few McMinnville local businesses. Bev is a member of the Henderson House Family Crisis Shelter Board of Directors. She is excited to meet and greet all the clients.