meet the Busy Bee team

Co-Owner, Bookkeeping Department Lead, Accountant

As founder of Busy Bee Advisors, Melissa brings a smile to every part of her work. Never one to miss the chance to laugh, she knows that a little humor can go a long way in educating and encouraging clients through complex, even frustrating, bookkeeping situations.

Her background in corporate accounting and auditing complements her desire to serve as a financial translator, of sorts, to sole proprietors and small business owners so that they feel confident in their financial decisions.

Melissa is a member of Business Network International, Rotary, FU Nights, Women in Consulting, and previously served as finance chair on the Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home Board of Directors.

She and her husband Eric enjoy working together and live in Sacramento with their youngest son and dog. She is also a proud mom of a US Marine.

Co-Owner, Tax Department Lead, Tax Advisor

Eric is anything BUT your typical tax professional.

A true extrovert, Eric enjoys connecting with his clients to genuinely understand them and their unique tax and financial situation. His goal for his clients is to pay their fair share in taxes and nothing more.

He uses this insight to find ways to best apply the tax code and design a customized tax strategy to save as much as is legally allowable under the current tax code.

Born in Northern California, Eric is an avid gamer at heart and a natural problem solver. He enjoys spending time with his family and working alongside his wife and business partner, Melissa. He is also a proud papa of their oldest son, a US Marine.

Office Manager

Joanne has been with us since the beginning. In its early days, Busy Bee experienced exponential growth – thanks to client referrals! – and required an office manager who could keep spirits up and happy vibes flowing.

After getting the job offer of her dreams teaching disadvantaged high school students, we almost lost her. But after clients begged for Joanne’s return, we got her back (part-time during the school year and full-time over the summer).

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Joanne makes it a priority to enjoy her work. And although her work is serious, she goes out of her way to not take herself too seriously. She brings a sense of humor and a ton of energy (maybe that’s why she’s a great teacher and coach?) to her position and keeps the whole operation running smoothly.

She has a big heart, especially for disadvantaged kids and all dogs.

Tax Administrator

When asked about the best part of her job, she cites the gratification from helping people save money.

The ultimate optimist, Aby is outgoing, a quick learner, and thinks outside the box to help clients apply tax strategies to benefit their businesses.

She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and three dogs. When not at work, you’ll find Abigail volunteering in her community or relaxing around a beach bonfire.

Bookkeeper

Armed with an Associate of Science in Accounting and 20 years of public service with Yolo County finance department, there’s nothing she can’t and won’t figure out for her clients.

When she is away from her calculator and keyboard you’ll most likely find Barrie in her garden or with her three pets.

Bookkeeper

Shelly understands the inner workings of private business as a bookkeeper and a business owner herself. At 23, she started her own plastic fabrication business while working part-time for a CPA who taught her how to manually keep accurate records, manage payroll, and implement QuickBooks.

She used those skills to bolster the success of the national solar business she and her husband owned for several years. Now, as a member of the Busy Bee team, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with other business owners.

Bookkeeper

Her 30 years of experience have taught her that attention to the details, organization, and detective skills are critical to success, getting books in order, and balancing everything out at the end of the day.

Peggy brings a sense of calm to even the most chaotic bookkeeping projects.

In her spare time, Peggy enjoys reading mysteries – by the ocean when possible – and spending time with her two adorable Shih Tzus.

Bookkeeper, Tax Associate

Even with the most aggressive and creative tax strategies in place, Jia believes that without the proper understanding of debt management, financial success will never be possible. That’s when Jia thrives, by teaching financial responsibility and literacy to clients to help them better understand their situation.

Whether through year-round statement reconciliation in her bookkeeping work or more seasonal tasks in tax preparation, Jia uses her excellent organization skills to build on her genuine concern for her clients’ business success to help them achieve financial clarity.

Born in Singapore, Jia is a self-described foodie.

Bookkeeper

Karina is fluent in Spanish and an excellent manager of her time, which means her clients can depend on her for efficiency and flexibility.

When not at work, you’ll find Karina on a long drive, trying a new hairstyle, or enjoying a self-improvement book.

Bookkeeper

As a licensed California real estate agent and notary. Greice is a trusted resource for her associates and bookkeeping clients. With organization, attention to detail, and a spirit for helping business owners grow, she finds satisfaction working with numbers and joy in helping others succeed.

Greice is passionate about uplifting and helping those around her. As such, she views her work as part of that mission. After hours, she enjoys yoga and long walks at the beach with her “super fun” Golden Retriever and 5-year-old son.

Bookkeeper

Chaz’s work ethic and dedication landed her an enviable accounting position with the Ministry of Health Jamaica.

Chaz’s team appreciates her positive attitude, persistence, flexibility and how she motivates those around her. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she welcomes a bank reconciliation for a problematic account and finding a solution that gets the balance to zero.

Chaz is passionate about sharing her knowledge with people living in poverty so they can become self sufficient. She volunteers with several local outreach organizations, teaching skills such as resume writing and office etiquette to help those who have lost their way return to the workforce.