Jarrell Ochoco

Jarrell Ochoco is an experienced Audit Manager with over 9 years of expertise in audit, tax, and accounting. His versatile background spans a wide range of industries, including IT services, SaaS, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and non-profit sectors. Prior to his current role, Jarrell worked at KPMG Philippines and Chugh CPAs LLP, where he developed a deep understanding of both domestic and international financial landscapes.

Jarrell holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Saint Louis University in the Philippines and earned his MBA from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. He is a licensed CPA in the state of California, bringing a strong combination of technical knowledge and industry insights to his work.

Outside of the office, Jarrell enjoys watching the NBA and NFL, keeping up with his favorite teams and players. His passion for sports reflects his competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in everything he does.

Winston Poppel is an Executive Associate with a strong foundation in business and accounting, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. During his time there, Winston took multiple accounting courses, gaining practical knowledge that complements his professional experience.

Winston’s work background includes serving as an Administrative Associate at Valley Gastroenterology in the summer of 2016, where he assisted with administrative tasks and gained insight into the healthcare industry. He also spent two summers working with the YMCA, first as a Counselor-In-Training in 2017 and later as a Junior Counselor in 2018, developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Outside of work, Winston enjoys an active lifestyle. He is passionate about sports, regularly participating in golf, tennis, pickleball, and table tennis. He also enjoys running, watching movies, TV shows, and sports, as well as playing games. Winston’s diverse interests reflect his energetic and well-rounded approach to both his personal and professional life.

Ron Levy is a dedicated tax associate at SD Mayer & Associates LLP, bringing over two years of specialized experience in tax preparation and R&D tax credit studies. His professional journey includes valuable roles at Krohn Watters Hicks LLP, Andersen Tax LLC, and Fondo, where he honed his expertise in working with agricultural, gaming, and biopharmaceutical companies.

Ron graduated from San Jose State University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, providing him with a strong analytical foundation to navigate the complexities of tax regulations and credits. His meticulous approach and dedication to his clients ensure they receive the most accurate and beneficial tax solutions.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ron is a certified PADI Rescue Diver, showcasing his commitment to safety and precision. He enjoys an active lifestyle, often embarking on long hikes and bike rides. His hobbies also include scuba diving, road biking, video gaming, and water skiing, reflecting his adventurous spirit and diverse interests.

Ron Levy’s blend of professional expertise and personal passions makes him a valuable member of the SD Mayer & Associates team, where he continues to deliver exceptional tax services and insights to his clients.

Leo Robertson is the HR Coordinator at SD Mayer & Associates LLP, bringing a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to the role. With a decade of coordination expertise and four years dedicated specifically to human resources within accounting firms, Leo is well-equipped to manage the HR functions at the firm.

Leo’s professional journey began in 2014 when he moved to Los Angeles and joined a Hollywood advertising agency as an Office Coordinator. This role allowed him to develop strong organizational and event planning skills. He then spent three years at BuzzFeed, where he expanded his responsibilities and became a member of the Culture Club, further honing his people-focused skills. In 2020, Leo leveraged this extensive “people-experience” to pivot fully into HR, joining Duffy Kruspodin, LLP in Southern California before bringing his talents to SD Mayer & Associates.

Leo is an alumnus of UC Santa Cruz, where he majored in Film & Digital Media and minored in Literature. This academic background reflects his passion for film and television, and he is an avid enthusiast of new movies and shows. A self-described nerd, Leo loves reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, as well as comic books. His creative side is expressed through painting miniatures and playing tabletop roleplaying games. When not at home, Leo enjoys dancing in the city, showcasing his love for both social and creative activities.

Leo Robertson’s diverse background, combined with his dedication to human resources and his passion for culture and creativity, make him a vital asset to SD Mayer & Associates LLP. His multifaceted interests and extensive experience ensure he brings a dynamic and holistic approach to his role as HR Coordinator.

Valeria Gutierrez is an enthusiastic marketing intern at SD Mayer & Associates LLP, bringing a rich blend of experience and academic prowess to the team. With three years of experience working at a law school admissions office and a pivotal role on the finance team for a San Francisco mayoral campaign, Valeria has developed a strong foundation in both administrative and financial operations.

Currently attending the University of San Francisco (USF), Valeria is pursuing a double major in Finance and Marketing with a minor in Economics. This dual focus equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the firm from two crucial perspectives, enhancing her ability to contribute effectively to marketing strategies and financial insights.

Valeria’s strong family ties keep her rooted in the Bay Area, where she enjoys close relationships with her relatives. She frequently visits her extended family in Mexico, maintaining a strong cultural connection. A passionate sports enthusiast, Valeria and her father are avid fans of college softball, particularly the UCLA team, and they relish attending games together.

In her free time, Valeria enjoys traveling, running in Golden Gate Park, and immersing herself in Nicholas Sparks novels. Her diverse interests and dynamic background make her a valuable asset to SD Mayer & Associates, where she continues to grow and make meaningful contributions.

Valeria Gutierrez’s dedication, diverse experience, and academic excellence position her as a promising talent in the fields of marketing and finance, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to SD Mayer & Associates LLP.

Pei-Ling Lee serves as the Programs and Partnerships Manager at the 5 Buckets Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals at the start of their personal financial journeys with the knowledge and tools for lifelong financial success.

With a rich background in trauma-informed coaching and integrative wellness, Pei-Ling views financial literacy as a cornerstone of overall well-being. Her passion particularly shines as she guides individuals to develop a healthier, more mindful relationship with money.

A Bay Area native, Pei-Ling graduated summa cum laude from Boston College and furthered her studies abroad at the London School of Economics. She is an RYT-200 certified yoga teacher and a Mastery Method trained coach, bringing a holistic perspective to financial literacy education.

Jamie Bell brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to her role as Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner at SD Mayer. With her meticulous organization skills and a keen eye for detail, Jamie is instrumental in streamlining the daily operations of the firm’s leadership, ensuring efficiency and productivity at the highest levels.

Before joining SD Mayer, Jamie honed her expertise at Grant Thornton LLP, where she played a pivotal role in supporting senior management. Her tenure at Grant Thornton allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the nuances of professional services firms, making her an invaluable asset to SD Mayer’s executive team.

Jamie’s professional journey is characterized by a diverse background that spans finance and law, providing her with a unique perspective that she leverages to address the complex needs of the managing partner’s office. Her problem-solving abilities and proactive approach to challenges make her a central figure in the firm’s operations.

Academically, Jamie pursued computer science at California State University, Chico, equipping her with a strong foundation in technology that enhances her effectiveness in her current role. Her technical skills allow her to navigate and manage the digital aspects of her responsibilities with ease.

Outside of her professional life, Jamie is an empty nester and a proud mother to an active college student. She cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends, sharing meals, and exploring local sites, attractions, and nature. Jamie’s love for the outdoors and her community often sees her discovering new places and experiences.

In her free time, Jamie indulges in a variety of creative pursuits that reflect her artistic side. She is passionate about reading, music, and crafting, with a particular talent for making friendship bracelets for events. Additionally, Jamie enjoys sewing, crochet, and embroidery, hobbies that not only allow her to express her creativity but also bring joy to those around her through her handmade creations.

Jamie Bell’s multifaceted career and personal interests highlight her dynamic personality and dedication. At SD Mayer, she continues to make significant contributions through her professional role while enriching her life and the lives of others with her hobbies and family-oriented values.

Irene Velarde is a seasoned tax administrator whose meticulous work and dedication have been pivotal in the smooth operation of tax services at her previous firm, Seifer Murken Despina James & Teichman, which merged into SD Mayer in 2023. Bringing over two decades of invaluable experience, Irene has mastered the intricacies of tax operations, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

At the core of her responsibilities, Irene expertly manages the e-filing of all electronic tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. She is instrumental in generating and distributing tax organizers, as well as creating proformas, which are critical in the preparatory stages of tax return processing. Her role extends to coordinating with colleagues, such as Mayrenn and April, to facilitate the post-preparation and dispatch of returns to clients, showcasing her ability to lead and delegate effectively.

As the billing in-charge, Irene oversees the preparation of billing statements and the maintenance of client records related to billing and payments. Her role is vital in assisting clients with billing inquiries, payments, and the status of their tax returns. Furthermore, she skillfully manages tax appointments and ensures clients are directed to the appropriate personnel for their queries, enhancing client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Irene’s academic journey includes a year of college at the University of the City of Manila in the Philippines, followed by earning a certificate in Computerized Accounting from the Computer Learning School in San Francisco in 1988. This educational background, combined with her extensive experience, forms the foundation of her expertise in tax administration.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Irene finds joy and relaxation in nature and simple pleasures. She enjoys walking by the lake, beach, or mountains and engaging in camping or picnic outings with family, friends, and relatives. Her love for humor is reflected in her fondness for watching funny videos, providing a welcome respite and laughter in her leisure time. Irene is also a food enthusiast who appreciates the simple delight of steamed, baked, and fried fish. At home, she values quiet time spent engaging in household chores, finding satisfaction and peace in the tranquility of her domestic environment.

Irene Velarde’s blend of professional acumen, leadership, and personal interests makes her a remarkable member of our team. Her contributions to tax operations and client services are invaluable, and her passion for her work and life outside the office enriches our community.

Randi S. Teichman is a distinguished attorney who has carved a niche for herself in the legal landscape through her specialization in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. Her expertise extends into tax law, encompassing the preparation of individual and fiduciary income tax returns as well as estate tax returns, making her a versatile advocate for her clients’ legal and financial health.

A product of esteemed institutions, Randi’s academic credentials include a law degree from Stanford University (1988), a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (1984), and an LLM in Taxation from Golden Gate University (1999). These academic achievements laid the foundation for her successful career and her profound understanding of the complexities of estate and tax law.

Randi is a respected member of the estate planning, trust, and probate law sections of both the California State Bar and San Francisco Bar Association. Her dedication and expertise have earned her the distinction of being a certified specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

With a commitment to delivering personalized legal and tax services, Randi approaches each client with a keen ear and a compassionate heart. She excels in translating her clients’ needs and desires into robust legal documents, ensuring their peace of mind and security. Her comprehensive approach to tax matters enables her clients to optimize their tax positions effectively.

Over her 25-plus years of practice, Randi has become a trusted advisor to executors and trustees, guiding them through the complexities of probate and trust administration during the challenging times of loss. Her skilled and compassionate counsel is a testament to her deep experience and genuine care for her clients.

Randi’s excellence in law has not gone unnoticed by her peers. She has been honored with an AV rating, indicating the highest level of professional excellence. Furthermore, her outstanding service and legal acumen were recognized when San Francisco Magazine named her a Northern California Super Lawyer in 2005 and 2006.

Away from the legal arena, Randi finds solace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. An avid hiker, she frequently explores the trails of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, embracing the natural beauty and tranquility that hiking affords. This passion for nature reflects her balanced approach to life, harmonizing her professional rigor with personal fulfillment.

Randi S. Teichman’s legal prowess, combined with her commitment to her clients and love for the outdoors, makes her a remarkable attorney and a valued member of the legal community.

April Rosario is a cornerstone of our administrative team, currently thriving as an office administrator. With a career that spans over two decades, April has been instrumental in supporting the seamless operations of her previous firm, Seifer Murken Despina James & Teichman, which became a part of SD Mayer in 2023. This merger brought her extensive experience and invaluable expertise into our fold, further enriching our firm’s capabilities.

April’s journey in the professional world began in the bustling environment of a small law practice, where she honed her skills and established herself as a pivotal member of the team. Her role primarily focused on administrative assistance, where she played a crucial part in the preparation of tax returns for individuals. Beyond this, April managed bookkeeping tasks with precision and care, ensuring financial records were meticulously maintained.

Her responsibilities didn’t stop there; April was also the go-to person for a plethora of general office duties. From copying, mailing, and scanning to managing office supplies, her role was central to keeping the day-to-day operations smooth and efficient. April’s ability to juggle these diverse tasks, all while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail, speaks volumes about her dedication and work ethic.

Outside the office, April leads a life full of exploration and enjoyment. She has a passion for traveling, always eager to discover new places and immerse herself in different cultures. When not on the move, April finds joy in window shopping, a leisurely activity that allows her to stay abreast of the latest trends and find inspiration. Dining with friends is another of her cherished pastimes, offering her the opportunity to unwind and relish good food and great company.

April Rosario’s blend of professional acumen and personal interests makes her a dynamic and beloved member of our team. Her contributions to the firm are immeasurable, and her spirit of collaboration and excellence continues to inspire those around her.

Susan Shelton stands as a beacon of expertise and dedication in the realm of tax services, currently excelling as a supervisor in our tax department. With an impressive tenure of over 15 years in public accounting, Susan has cultivated a rich expertise that spans the full spectrum of tax-related services. Her professional journey embarked with a strong foundation in audit, where she developed a keen analytical acumen and an unwavering attention to detail, ensuring rigorous compliance across the board.

Susan’s career trajectory took a specialized turn as she delved into the low-income housing tax credit sector, working extensively with nonprofits and partnerships. This niche provided her with a profound grasp of complex tax frameworks and the nuances of financial reporting for entities facing unique tax challenges. In recent times, Susan has channeled her focus towards providing top-tier tax services to high net worth individuals, alongside managing trust, estate, gift, and business entity returns. Her approach is characterized by a commitment to excellence, a proactive stance on problem-solving, and a continuous effort to stay at the forefront of tax legislation changes.

A graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in business accounting, Susan’s academic background laid the groundwork for her successful career. Further solidifying her credentials, she is an enrolled agent certified by the IRS, a testament to her extensive tax knowledge and authority to represent taxpayers.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Susan is an avid lover of the outdoors. Whether it’s rollerblading along scenic paths, skiing down pristine slopes, hiking the beach, or enjoying a leisurely round of golf, Susan finds joy and rejuvenation in nature’s embrace. Her passion for outdoor activities not only reflects her dynamic personality but also her belief in the importance of balance between professional commitments and personal well-being.

Susan Shelton’s journey in the tax domain is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, deep-seated expertise, and a genuine commitment to fostering enduring client relationships. Her contributions to our tax department and the broader accounting community are invaluable, and her future endeavors are anticipated with great enthusiasm.

Robby, an esteemed Audit Associate at SD Mayer, joined our team in the fall of 2023. A seasoned auditor, he boasts a portfolio that includes working with esteemed firms such as EDD and Mah & Associates. Over the years, Robby has carved out a niche in payroll tax auditing, employee benefit plans, and in the intricate domains of nonprofit and governmental audits.

An alumnus of California State University East Bay, Robby holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a special focus on Accounting. Passionate about continued growth, he’s currently navigating the pathway to securing his CPA license.

Away from the numbers and financial statements, Robby’s life is equally vibrant. A proud pet parent, he shares a bond with his golden doodle, Aace. A fitness aficionado, Robby’s regimen includes rigorous workouts and weightlifting sessions. His affinity for the outdoors often finds him hiking, while his quieter moments are reserved for indulging in literature.