Lightheart, Sanders and Associates Staff Bios
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Tax Team
Kevin Lightheart, CPA
Kevin Lightheart, CPA, is the President and Shareholder in charge of the Tax Department. He’s been with the company since 1997 and, in addition to his over 25 years experience in the field, has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting with a Tax emphasis. His favorite part of the job is developing business and personal relationships with clients and making preparing and paying taxes a little less ‘taxing’.
Kevin Lightheart, CPA
Kevin Lightheart, CPA, is the President and Shareholder in charge of the Tax Department. He’s been with the company since 1997 and, in addition to his over 25 years experience in the field, has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting with a Tax emphasis. His favorite part of the job is developing business and personal relationships with clients and making preparing and paying taxes a little less ‘taxing’.
On a personal note, Kevin believes that each client deserves to be treated with the same respect and attention no matter how big or small. He believes in conducting business with honesty and Integrity.
Some fun facts about Kevin:
- Enjoys reading, movies, travel, water sports, and playing golf. Mostly spending time with family and playing games together.
- He is admittedly too competitive. Family game night can get a little heated!
- His favorites: Food – Pad Thai, Vacation – Cuba, Book – any by David Baldacci, TV Show – The Office.
- His astrological sign is Aries.
Andrew Bodin, CPA
Andrew Bodin, CPA is a Tax Preparer that has been with LSA since 2009. He enjoys completing tax returns and helping clients discover new deductions and ways to save money. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Jackson State University and is a former Quickbooks Pro Advisor.
Andrew Bodin, CPA
Andrew Bodin, CPA is a Tax Preparer that has been with LSA since 2009. He enjoys completing tax returns and helping clients discover new deductions and ways to save money. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Jackson State University and is a former Quickbooks Pro Advisor.
On a personal note, Andrew believes in being honest and treating people fairly. He’s married and has two beautiful children that he loves spending time with. He also likes playing golf, watching sports, and playing games.
Some fun facts about Andrew:
- He especially enjoys escape rooms.
- A pet peeve of his is seeing notifications on his computer and phone (unread emails or messages) and likes to clear them as soon as possible.
- His favorites: Food – biscuits, TV Show – True crime shows.
- His Astrological sign is Leo.
Jesse Shields, CPA
Jesse Shields, CPA, is a staff accountant that has been with LSA since 2013. He prepares tax returns for both individual and business clients and helps answer any tax questions that clients may have. His favorite part of the job is working with and learning about businesses from all different industries. Jesse received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College and his CPA license in 2019. Jesse believes in being a hard worker and following through on your word. “My word is my bond, and that has helped me build trust with our clients.”
Jesse Shields, CPA
Jesse Shields, CPA, is a staff accountant that has been with LSA since 2013. He prepares tax returns for both individual and business clients and helps answer any tax questions that clients may have. His favorite part of the job is working with and learning about businesses from all different industries. Jesse received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi College and his CPA license in 2019. Jesse believes in being a hard worker and following through on your word. “My word is my bond, and that has helped me build trust with our clients.”
On a personal note, the most important things in life to Jesse are his family and his faith. He’s been happily married to his wife Carlie since 2013 and they currently have two children, a boy, and a girl.
Fun facts about Jesse:
- He enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, reading books, and just spending time with his family
- He’s been told that he has an OCD personality – he likes following patterns and things have to be neat and orderly
- Favorites: Food – Pizza, Book – Wheel of Time Series
- His Astrological sign is Cancer.
AUDIT TEAM
Jared Sanders, CPA
Jared Sanders, CPA, is a Shareholder and Audit Partner that has been with the firm since the year 2000. He oversees all aspects of the audit department, including leading SFA audits, managing client relationships, presenting financial information to schools, and marketing and industry outreach. His favorite part of his job is seeing clients succeed in their businesses and making a difference in their lives. Jared graduated from Boise State University in 2000 and has been with LSA since! He has served on various boards and committees and is an industry speaker on topics relating to beauty school financials and student financial aid compliance. His greatest career accomplishment is “not messing up bad enough that my son decided accounting would be a good career for him as well.”
Jared Sanders, CPA
Jared Sanders, CPA, is a Shareholder and Audit Partner that has been with the firm since the year 2000. He oversees all aspects of the audit department, including leading SFA audits, managing client relationships, presenting financial information to schools, and marketing and industry outreach. His favorite part of his job is seeing clients succeed in their businesses and making a difference in their lives. Jared graduated from Boise State University in 2000 and has been with LSA since! He has served on various boards and committees and is an industry speaker on topics relating to beauty school financials and student financial aid compliance. His greatest career accomplishment is “not messing up bad enough that my son decided accounting would be a good career for him as well.”
On a personal note, family is the most important aspect of Jared’s life. He believes in loving your career while also making time for family and things you enjoy. He values kindness and honesty. He has six children and one grandchild.
Some fun facts about Jared:
- He’s been a girls basketball coach/assistant coach for the past 5 years.
- He loves to travel and to experience other countries and cultures.
- He really likes languages talking to his kids in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German
- He’s a foodie and enjoys cooking and baking, mostly because it means he then gets to eat what he makes.
- His favorites: Food – a good steak, Favorite Author – Brandon Sanderson, TV Show – college sports, international soccer matches, and just about any level of rugby.
- His Astrological sign is Gemini.
Ben Sanders
Ben Sanders, Compliance Manager, has been with LSA since 2009. He primarily oversees the compliance audits for Title IV schools to ensure clients stay compliant with the rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Education. Ben has a Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University and has experience in both the tax and audit departments but has been solely focused on audit for the last ten years. He’s a people person thanks to his previous career in hospitality and his favorite part of the job is interacting with clients. “Hard work is very important to me. Being productive and enjoying what you do will make work fun, enjoyable, and rewarding.”
Ben Sanders
Ben Sanders, Compliance Manager, has been with LSA since 2019. He primarily oversees the compliance audits for Title IV schools to ensure clients stay compliant with the rules and regulations set forth by the Department of Education. Ben has a Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University and has experience in both the tax and audit departments but has been solely focused on audit for the last ten years. He’s a people person thanks to his previous career in hospitality and his favorite part of the job is interacting with clients. “Hard work is very important to me. Being productive and enjoying what you do will make work fun, enjoyable, and rewarding.”
On a personal note, Ben believes in always puts family first. He is the middle child and has six siblings. He also has six kids of his own, three girls and three boys.
Some fun facts about Ben:
- His hobby is tending to his saltwater tank. (Don’t ask how many fish have jumped out of said tank!)
- He ran a Fish House for 4 years and hates fish (not saltwater pet fish, obviously)
- His Favorites: Food – anything but seafood, TV show – The Rookie, Vacation – I loved New York, Florida, and France
- His Astrological sign is Aries
Candy Liu, CPA
Candy Liu, CPA, is a Staff Auditor who joined the LSA team in 2013. Her work involves audit preparation and review, of which she especially enjoys reviewing financial statements, generating audit reports, and providing financial recommendations to clients to ensure compliance with applicable financial requirements. Candy obtained her Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and is a CPA. What helps her excel in her career are being patient, well-organized, hard-working, a good listener, and the ability to easily understand financial reports.
Candy Liu, CPA
Candy Liu, CPA, is a Staff Auditor who joined the LSA team in 2013. Her work involves audit preparation and review, of which she especially enjoys reviewing financial statements, generating audit reports, and providing financial recommendations to clients to ensure compliance with applicable financial requirements. Candy obtained her Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and is a CPA. What helps her excel in her career are being patient, well-organized, hard-working, a good listener, and the ability to easily understand financial reports.
On a personal note, the health and happiness of Candy’s family are her priority. She also believes in lifelong learning to keep up with the rapidly changing world. She has been with her husband Floyd since 2009 and together they have two children, a daughter, Silvia, and a son, Cellini.
Fun facts about Candy:
- She has a cat named Fluffy.
- People tell her she’s very accountable.
- Favorite Food – Authentic Chinese food.
- Her Astrological sign is Cancer.
Kay Wong
Kay Wong has been a financial auditor on the LSA team since 2013. He prepares and reviews preparations for financial audits and other attestation engagements. Kay graduated from Mississippi College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He enjoys his work because gets to be part of the business success of his clients and can provide meaningful information to them, not just numbers.
Kay Wong
Kay Wong has been a financial auditor on the LSA team since 2013. He prepares and reviews preparations for financial audits and other attestation engagements. Kay graduated from Mississippi College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He enjoys his work because gets to be part of the business success of his clients and can provide meaningful information to them, not just numbers.
On a personal note, Kay enjoys spending time with his “adorable wife” who brightens his day and contributing to his community.
Fun facts about Kay:
- He enjoys going out to explore new things (places/cultures/food/people)
- He’s a self-proclaimed foodie
- He and his wife would like to adopt a dog
- He is OCD about things that he wants to be a certain way.
- His favorite food is Korean/Japanese food
- His Astrological sign is Scorpio
Cynthia Crittenton
Cynthia (Cindy) Crittenton has been with LSA since February 2020 as a compliance auditor and primarily ensures that clients are disbursing Title IV funds correctly. Her favorite part of the job is meeting with clients and feeling like she is helping them succeed. Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Channel Islands, and has over ten years of experience as a compliance auditor. Cindy believes in teaching others what I have learned and helping clients to improve and grow and that everyone should be rewarded for good work.
Cynthia Crittenton
Cynthia (Cindy) Crittenton has been with LSA since February 2020 as a compliance auditor and primarily ensures that clients are disbursing Title IV funds correctly. Her favorite part of the job is meeting with clients and feeling like she is helping them succeed. Cindy has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Channel Islands, and has over ten years of experience as a compliance auditor. Cindy believes in teaching others what I have learned and helping clients to improve and grow and that everyone should be rewarded for good work.
On a personal note, the most important to Cindy is her family. “Family is important to me, equal rights are important to me, supporting my daughter and daughter-in-law are important to me.”
Fun facts about Cindy:
- She’s a very proficient lip reader
- She loves to take classes to improve herself
- Her hobbies include reading, traveling, movies, and fighting for equality
- She’s very empathetic
- She loves anything Disney
- Her favorites: Food – Italian, Vacation – Cruising, Book – Too many to name, but my favorite author is Danielle Steele, Movie – Too many to name, but I do go to the Hollywood Bowl each year for the Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, TV Show – Days of Our Lives, so much so that I attend the Day of Days event each year at Universal City Walk Los Angeles and I got my daughter-in-law hooked.
- Her Astrological sign is Taurus.
Lily Zhou
Lily Zhou started with LSA in 2015 and is a Staff Auditor. Her day includes conducting financial audits, which entails reviewing financial documents and ensuring that the financial statements comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). She also prepares financial audit reports. She enjoys being able to use the accounting knowledge and skills she learned throughout the audit process and working with different clients. Lily graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Millsaps College and a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Mississippi College. She’s started at LSA as an intern in the accounting and bookkeeping department and moved to the auditing department in 2019.
Lily Zhou
Lily Zhou started with LSA in 2015 and is a Staff Auditor. Her day includes conducting financial audits, which entails reviewing financial documents and ensuring that the financial statements comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). She also prepares financial audit reports. She enjoys being able to use the accounting knowledge and skills she learned throughout the audit process and working with different clients. Lily graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Millsaps College and a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from Mississippi College. She’s started at LSA as an intern in the accounting and bookkeeping department and moved to the auditing department in 2019.
On a personal note, Lily firmly believes that “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. Colossians 3:23. Faith is a big part of her life and she is the worship leader in her church.
Fun facts about Lily:
- She enjoys cooking and baking for her husband and son
- She likes singing.
- She is very detail-oriented.
- Her favorites: Food – the sandwich her husband makes her.
- Her Astrological sign is Aquarius.
Brooke Bunio
Brooke Bunio has been with LSA since 2019 and is an SFA Compliance Auditor. She reviews student files and other documents from small colleges all over the country to ensure that each client is in compliance. She loves talking with clients and genuinely feels that many are making a big difference in their communities by teaching students life-changing skills that will help them find successful careers. Brooke has a Master’s of Education and was a high school teacher before she started working at LSA.
Brooke Bunio
Brooke Bunio has been with LSA since 2019 and is an SFA Compliance Auditor. She reviews student files and other documents from small colleges all over the country to ensure that each client is in compliance. She loves talking with clients and genuinely feels that many are making a big difference in their communities by teaching students life-changing skills that will help them find successful careers. Brooke has a Master’s of Education and was a high school teacher before she started working at LSA.
On a personal note, Brooke is married to her husband, Chris, a high school football coach. They have two dogs, Scout and Captain.
Some fun facts about Brooke:
- She truly enjoys encouraging and supporting others
- Her favorites: TV show – Seinfeld, Books – anything written by C.S. Lewis, Vacation – Rosemary Beach, Florida.
- Her Astrological Sign is Leo.
Ann Hymas
Ann Hymas joined Lightheart Sanders and Associates in November 2022 as an auditor. Her work involves reviewing client information, conducting audits, and building strong relationships with clients. Ann is also committed to ongoing learning and regularly participates in training to grow her expertise.
Ann Hymas
Ann Hymas joined Lightheart Sanders and Associates in November 2022 as an auditor. Her work involves reviewing client information, conducting audits, and building strong relationships with clients. Ann is also committed to ongoing learning and regularly participates in training to grow her expertise.
With a background in administrative roles, Ann’s passion for bookkeeping led her to earn a degree in Bookkeeping and Accounting from the College of Western Idaho, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She’s certified in QuickBooks and other software, and her career has spanned various industries before transitioning to auditing full-time.
Outside of work, Ann is a mother of six, enjoys reading, baking, and spending time in nature. A Leo, her favorite vacation spots are Yellowstone National Park and Scotland, and she’s a big fan of Harry Potter
Alex Gillespie
Alex Gillespie has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for nearly two years, serving as a compliance auditor. His daily tasks include reviewing client documents, testing files, and ensuring schools meet audit guide standards. Alex especially enjoys traveling to meet school staff and learning about the business side of beauty schools.
Alex Gillespie
Alex Gillespie has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for nearly two years, serving as a compliance auditor. His daily tasks include reviewing client documents, testing files, and ensuring schools meet audit guide standards. Alex especially enjoys traveling to meet school staff and learning about the business side of beauty schools.
Alex holds a degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance from BYU-Idaho and is currently pursuing an MBA in Sport Entertainment Management at the University of North Texas. Family is central to Alex’s life, and he prioritizes a healthy work-life balance to spend time with them.
Outside of work, Alex and his wife, married in 2020, enjoy hiking, shopping, and relaxing with their Mini Aussiedoodle, Murphy. He’s also passionate about golf and pizza, and when he finds something he loves, he’s all in. Born on July 30, Alex’s favorite movies are the Creed series.
Phoebe Cao
Phoebe Cao has been a dedicated member of Lightheart Sanders and Associates for 3 years, currently working as a financial auditor. She specializes in planning and conducting Title IV financial audits. Phoebe holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and values both professional growth and family in her life.
Phoebe Cao
Phoebe Cao has been a dedicated member of Lightheart Sanders and Associates for 3 years, currently working as a financial auditor. She specializes in planning and conducting Title IV financial audits. Phoebe holds a master’s degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and values both professional growth and family in her life.
Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys cooking and gardening, especially preparing healthy meals for her family. Known for thriving in tough environments while maintaining a positive attitude, she brings resilience and optimism to everything she does. Her favorite TV show is Modern Family, and she was born under the sign of Scorpio.
Angela Greenhalgh
Angela Greenhalgh has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for nearly three years, working as a compliance auditor. In her role, she ensures that institutions adhere to Title IV regulations for administering and disbursing funds. Angela appreciates the flexibility her job offers.
Angela Greenhalgh
Angela Greenhalgh has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for nearly three years, working as a compliance auditor. In her role, she ensures that institutions adhere to Title IV regulations for administering and disbursing funds. Angela appreciates the flexibility her job offers.
With a background in Graphic Design, Angela has freelanced in logo creation and wedding invitation design. She values accountability and honesty, both in her work and personal life.
Outside of work, Angela is married with three kids and has two dogs, a chocolate Lab named Lizzy and a black Pomeranian named Chewie. She enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, and capturing beautiful scenery. Known for her creativity, she also loves trying new recipes. Angela’s favorite vacation spot is Mexico, and she’s a Capricorn.
Ryan Sanders
Ryan Sanders has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for five years. As an auditor, he works with clients to gather and review audit documents and perform audit procedures. He enjoys meeting new clients and building relationships with existing ones.
Ryan Sanders
Ryan Sanders has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for five years. As an auditor, he works with clients to gather and review audit documents and perform audit procedures. He enjoys meeting new clients and building relationships with existing ones.
Ryan holds an accounting degree from Mississippi College and values integrity and honesty in both his work and personal life. Family is his top priority.
Outside of work, Ryan is married with two daughters and a dog named Tink. He loves football, grilling, historical documentaries, and comedy podcasts. Known for trying new hobbies and recipes, his favorite food is a perfectly cooked steak, and his favorite movie is Happy Gilmore.
ACCOUNTING
Sharon Moulder
Sharon Moulder has been with LSA since 2010 and manages the Accounting Department. In addition to managing staff and reviewing work, she trains new employees, prepares new client proposals, and attends networking events to promote the company. Her favorite part of her job is meeting with new clients and setting them up for success, especially if they are a new business. Sharon has been working with CPA Firms for 38 years, starting as a receptionist and working her way up. She feels fortunate to work for a company that shares her values and always strives to make her clients happy they chose to work with LSA.
Sharon Moulder
Sharon Moulder has been with LSA since 2010 and manages the Accounting Department. In addition to managing staff and reviewing work, she trains new employees, prepares new client proposals, and attends networking events to promote the company. Her favorite part of her job is meeting with new clients and setting them up for success, especially if they are a new business. Sharon has been working with CPA Firms for 38 years, starting as a receptionist and working her way up. She feels fortunate to work for a company that shares her values and always strives to make her clients happy they chose to work with LSA.
On a personal note, Sharon believes in treating others the way you want to be treated. Her values in life are family, God, and work. She lives in an old house in the country with her husband. They have three grown children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, and spending time with the family is very important to her.
Fun facts about Sharon:
- Some of her favorite pastimes are enjoying her swimming pool and front porch swing.
- She loves clothes, shoes, and jewelry, and spending time with her granddaughters, shopping, and lunching.
- She has two fur babies (dogs), Tootsie and Duke.
- Sharon will always tell you how she is feeling, glad or mad, so you don’t have to wonder. Some would call her a people-pleaser.
- Her favorites: Food – Mexican, Vacation – the beach, TV Show – Golden Girls.
- Her Astrological sign is Leo.
Amanda Bodin
Amanda Bodin is a Staff Accountant that has been with LSA since 2004. She spends her days doing bookkeeping and taxes and enjoys the feeling of completing projects. Amanda has an Associates’s Degree from Holmes Community College and a Master’s Degree from Mississippi State University. She’s held several family jobs before joining LSA, including a secretary for her mother’s real estate company, a carhop for her parent’s drive-thru restaurant “Hoppers”, and helped manage her family agritainment company at their farm.
Amanda Bodin
Amanda Bodin is a Staff Accountant that has been with LSA since 2004. She spends her days doing bookkeeping and taxes and enjoys the feeling of completing projects. Amanda has an Associates’s Degree from Holmes Community College and a Master’s Degree from Mississippi State University. She’s held several family jobs before joining LSA, including a secretary for her mother’s real estate company, a carhop for her parent’s drive-thru restaurant “Hoppers”, and helped manage her family agritainment company at their farm.
On a personal note, Amanda’s values include reliability, determination, fairness, faith, and family. She has two children, Aiden and Alyx, and they are her world.
Fun facts about Amanda:
- She’s a people pleaser and likes to help those around her
- Her favorites: Foods – Watermelon & Chocolate covered strawberries, Vacation – Disney World, Book – No possible way to choose, Movie – Beauty and the Beast, TV Show – currently Dateline or 20/20.
- Her Astrological Sign is Aries
Catherine Halter
Catherine Halter is a bookkeeper with LSA and has been with the company since 2019. She started in accounting right out of college and enjoys the variety of her job. Her favorite aspect of her job is the checks and balances of bookkeeping.
Catherine Halter
Catherine Halter is a bookkeeper with LSA and has been with the company since 2019. She started in accounting right out of college and enjoys the variety of her job. Her favorite aspect of her job is the checks and balances of bookkeeping.
On a personal note, Catherine moved to Mississippi from Ohio in 2019 to be closer to her grandchildren.
Christine Scott
Christine is a member of the business accounting team. She enjoys helping clients with all aspects of their business. She processes payrolls, inputs financial data into QuickBooks, pays bills and sales taxes, and prepares management reports. She loves putting the bookkeeping puzzle together so that business owners can focus on what makes them successful.
Christine Scott
Christine is a member of the business accounting team. She enjoys helping clients with all aspects of their business. She processes payrolls, inputs financial data into QuickBooks, pays bills and sales taxes, and prepares management reports. She loves putting the bookkeeping puzzle together so that business owners can focus on what makes them successful.
Chris lives in Madison with her husband and three dogs and enjoys reading, gardening, and serving as Treasurer on the board of her Homeowners Association.
Rebecca Harvey
Rebecca Harvey has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for a year, working as a staff accountant. She assists clients with their bookkeeping, ensuring their financials are accurate and organized. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, Rebecca values honesty and integrity, applying those principles to managing clients’ finances.
Rebecca Harvey
Rebecca Harvey has been with Lightheart Sanders and Associates for a year, working as a staff accountant. She assists clients with their bookkeeping, ensuring their financials are accurate and organized. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, Rebecca values honesty and integrity, applying those principles to managing clients’ finances.
Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys playing tennis multiple times a week and cooking elaborate meals with her husband, Quentin. Despite being the youngest of three sisters, she has strong first-born traits, surprising many with her family dynamics. A Pisces, born on March 11th, Rebecca’s favorite food is anything her grandmother makes, and her ideal vacation spot is the beach.
OFFICE STAFF
Lynn Dean
Lynn Dean has been with the LSA team since 2017 as the Office Manager. She enjoys working with all areas of the firm, especially interacting with clients and staff in the tax, audit, and business accounting departments. She is a Board member of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and a part of Leadership Madison County. Lynn also helps to coordinate the Firm’s annual Open House fundraiser for charity.
Lynn Dean
Fun Facts about Lynn:
- Lynn has been known to procrastinate, but others know her as dependable, tenacious, and driven.
- Favorites: Food – Seafood, especially shrimp, Vacation – Hawaii, Movie – Gone with the Wind and The Sound of Music.
- Her hobbies include traveling, spending time with family, collecting all things holiday, especially Halloween and Christmas, and is into genealogy.
- Her astrological sign is Cancer.
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