I graduated college in Dec. 1990 with a BA in Accounting. My first accounting position was with KPMG Peat Marwick in Decatur, IL. I was employed there for approximately 8 months as a tax preparer initially, but my actual position was a financial auditor. I moved to Springfield, IL in the fall of 1992 and began working as a tax preparer/bookkeeper for a sole proprietorship. The practice was sold to Kula, Cowan & Barnes. Given the size of the firm, it was necessary to "wear all hats." I gained knowledge in tax, accounting services, and financial and compliance auditing. To continue the growth of my career, I accepted a position with a larger, national firm in January 1997. My area of concentration was in the tax department. I was eventually promoted to Tax Manager and assisted in the supervision of several employees. I relocated to St. Louis, MO, in December 2004 where I began my career as a Tax Specialist for The Boeing Company. While my career here has provided many challenges thus far, I've decided to embark on a new one and enrolled in the Law Program at St. Louis University beginning in the Fall of 2008. That challenege has come to an end with my graduation and receipt of my juris doctorate degree on May 17, 2012. I have passed the bar exam and was sworn in on October 5, 2012, during a special session of the Missouri Supreme Court, as a licensed attorney in the State of Missouri.  I currently provide volunteer legal services for the non-profit organization Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants.