
About

Melissa Ochoa EA
In 1984, while a junior at Analy High School, Melissa started working for Clarence W Younger, Jr. CPA. Starting first as the receptionist, then bookkeeper and finally preparing income tax returns and helping clients with entity formations, trust accounting you name it, Melissa has seen it all. On-the-job training seems like a thing of the past, a tradition that has been lost on our current workforce. Melissa cannot imagine a better environment to learn and grow. With Clarence, Martha, and Melissa working together for almost 4 decades, you can surmise all the challenges and changes this team has faced. For years Clarence planned his succession, he always knew Melissa was the right person to carry on his practice. In 2001 Melissa sat for and passed the Enrolled Agent's exam, on the first attempt and has supported Clarence's amazing clients ever since. It is with a grateful heart, Melissa is ready for the next chapter, carrying on the tradition of excellence clients have come to expect. The same care, service, and attention to detail will continue to be given under the new name Apple Blossom Tax Service. We are here to help you with your taxes and bookkeeping this year and next year and next...

When not at the office Mel loves spending time with her family. Melissa is a self-taught professional photographer, she loves her cut flower garden, cooking, and camping. This year Melissa and her husband David adopted a puppy “Lola”. Hopefully, you will all meet her when you come by the office.


Meet Our Team!

Britney Brunofski
Enrolled Agent
Senior Tax Preparer
Britney's journey in the world of finance began as a bookkeeper, driven by her passion for numbers and a desire to help individuals navigate the complex realm of income taxes. She joined the Apple Blossom Tax Service team in 2021, where her dedication to continuous learning and professional development shines. Britney has ambitious plans to enhance her qualifications by studying for and passing the EA (Enrolled Agent) exam in the coming year. This commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier tax services to our clients. Beyond her professional aspirations, Britney's personal life is equally fulfilling. In her spare time, she's a devoted parent, often found chasing her energetic baby around the house. She also cherishes quality moments spent with her family. Britney's determination and commitment to her career and family make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Jessica Beach
CTEC Office Administrator
Tax Preparer
Jessica embarked on her journey with Apple Blossom Tax Service as an office assistant in early 2021. Through dedication and hard work, she steadily climbed the ranks to become a full-time tax preparer and bookkeeper. Jessica's commitment to her professional growth is evident, as she consistently seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge in bookkeeping and tax preparation. Outside of the office, you'll often find Jessica in her garden, nurturing plants and enjoying the serenity of nature. She's also an avid hiker, exploring the beauty of the outdoors. Jessica's determination and enthusiasm make her a valuable member of our team.

Candida Emerson
Administrative Assistant
Candy is a valued member of our team who joined the firm in the spring of 2023. As an administrative assistant, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operations of our tax practice. Her dedication to her work and attention to detail make her an essential part of our team. She efficiently handles various administrative tasks, contributing to the overall efficiency of our tax practice. Candy enjoys spending quality time with her family outside of work and takes pride in being a grandmother to her grandkids. Her enthusiasm for life and commitment to her role make her a wonderful addition to our team. We're grateful to have her as a part of our tax practice.

Grayson Evans
Enrolled Agent
Senior Tax Preparer
Grayson has been at Apple Blossom Tax Service since 2021 where he is currently working as a senior tax preparer. Prior to working at Apple Blossom he attended culinary school at the SRJC and received an A.A in culinary arts. Since working at Apple Blossom he graduated from Sonoma State Cum Laude with a B.S in Finance. Last year he completed and has maintained his status as an Enrolled Agent. In his free time he enjoys mountain biking, cooking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Jacqueline Hamm
Enrolled Agent
Office Manager
In 2020, Martha recognized Jackie's potential and introduced her to Melissa, who saw the valuable asset she could be to the team at Apple Blossom Tax Service. Over the years, Jackie has proven to be an indispensable part of our organization. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team, ensuring that our clients receive top-notch tax services and guidance. Jackie's dedication and commitment to her role have been instrumental in the growth and success of our practice. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has a passion for horses and can often be found in the barn, where she enjoys spending her free time. We're fortunate to have Jackie as Melissa's right hand and look forward to her continued contributions to our tax practice.

Kimberlee Martin
Bookkeeper
Kim joined Apple Blossom Tax Service in December 2021, bringing an impressive 33 years of bookkeeping experience to our team. Her journey in accounting began during high school, where she discovered her passion for numbers and meticulous attention to detail. Kim is dedicated to ensuring the success of our clients through her precise work and effective problem-solving skills. Her extensive expertise in bookkeeping adds tremendous value to our services. Outside the office, Kim enjoys the great outdoors, whether it's fishing by the river or tending to her garden. Her diverse interests and dedication make her an excellent addition to our team.

Marina Moore
CTEC Tax Preparer
Meet Marina Moore, the friendly face behind the numbers at Apple Blossom Tax Service. By day, she's a meticulous bookkeeper and tax pro, ensuring your finances are in top shape. But when the workday ends, Marina's all about embracing life's simple joys. You'll often find her exploring the depths of the ocean as a free diver or tackling scenic trails on a hike. Back home, her green thumb comes alive in the garden, where she nurtures a colorful array of plants. And did we mention she's got a song in her heart? Marina loves to sing, bringing a bit of melody to her everyday moments. In the office or outdoors, Marina Moore brings a down-to-earth charm and a touch of adventure to everything she does.

Tiffany Butler
Bookkeeper
With over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and management, Tiffany has developed a deep understanding of financial processes and business operations. Over the course of her career, she has gained extensive expertise in managing accounts, budgeting, and financial reporting for various organizations.
In addition to her bookkeeping background, Tiffany has spent five years successfully owning and running her own business, where she honed her entrepreneurial skills and gained hands-on experience in leadership, operations, and strategic planning.
As a QuickBooks Certified Bookkeeper, Tiffany is well-versed in using industry-standard software to streamline accounting processes and deliver accurate financial insights. Her combination of practical experience, technical expertise, and business ownership makes her a highly skilled and reliable financial professional.
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years. Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before.