Lori Rodrigues, CPA, CFE

Experience

I spent many years in computer support until an industry downturn sent me back to school to earn a long-delayed four-year degree.  Because computer support offered a high degree of career flexibility, I pursued a degree with similar flexibility and graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a dual concentration in accounting and finance.

The flexibility of my degree led me to roles in public accounting, private accounting and a ten-year career with the IRS as a Revenue Agent and Appeals Officer.  I also spent about four years as a solo CPA specializing in helping taxpayers resolve their tax issues with federal and state tax authorities, as well as advising small businesses on how to protect themselves from fraud.  I’ve merged my practice with DBM in order to offer my specialized services to even more clients who need tax representation or forensic accounting services.

Education/Certifications

  • Santa Rosa Junior College, Associate of Arts, Computer Science, graduated with honors
  • Sonoma State University, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, graduated cum laude and with distinction
  • Certified Public Accountant, California
  • Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Certified Taxpayer Representative, Tax Resolution Academy and Tax Rep Network

Hobbies/Interests

In my personal time, I love to spend time with family, hike, cook delicious food, follow SF Giants baseball and keep up with the latest in books and film.  I’m also involved with a local Rotary club, serving as fundraising chair in 2023-2024 and club president in 2025-26.

Joe Silvestri, Associate

I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2020 where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting. After graduating I began my career with a local CPA firm based out of downtown Santa Rosa that eventually combined with a larger regional CPA firm based out of San Francisco, where I learned the vast majority of my tax technical skills.

In my free time I enjoy playing golf with family and friends as well as visiting Oracle Park to watch San Francisco Giants baseball.

Laura Best, CPA, Manager

My career in tax accounting began in 2019 at Moss Adams, where I was given the opportunity first to work with California wine industry clients, then to specialize in the nonprofit industry.  I have worked with various tax-exempt entities, including public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, business leagues, hospitals, and educational institutions, based primarily on the West Coast as well as others across the country.  As of 2025, I am happy to bring my experience to DBM, where I can serve a variety of tax clients while continuing to develop my special interest in assisting nonprofits with their evolving compliance, filing, and planning needs.

I graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and received a Certificate in Advanced Accounting Proficiency from Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.  I take pleasure in learning, and have studied a wide assortment of subjects through various schools and educational programs.

In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, visits to the ocean, spending time with my family, and being a pet mom.

Prince Buttar, Associate

I began my career in public accounting at PwC in January 2020, where I gained valuable experience before transitioning to KPMG. In January 2025, I joined DBMCPA to further advance my career in the accounting field.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, earned from Sonoma State University in 2019.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by playing basketball and spending time at the gym.

Aaron Thistlethwaite, Junior Associate

Before I began my accounting career at DBMCPA in January 2025, I was a full time student at Sonoma State University and held a part time position during my seasonal breaks at a small family owned business called Animal reproduction Systems. During my time at ARS I worked in warehouse management, shipping, and product production.

I attended Sonoma State University in 2019 as a Computer Science Major before switching to Business Administration in the Fall of 2022. I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in December 2024.

In my free time, I love playing volleyball and basketball. I also enjoy taking day trips to San Francisco to enjoy the architecture, fine dining, and beautiful views of the city.

Anna Best, Senior Associate

I began my career in public accounting in 2005 with WTAS (now Anderson Tax) in Palo Alto, focused on high-net-worth individuals.  I later joined a local Santa Cruz firm where I spent over 10 years focused on tax and planning for individuals and small businesses, and enjoyed working with clients in real estate, agriculture, wine, technology, and professional services. I moved to Santa Rosa to be closer to family and joined DBM in 2024.

I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Accounting, and received a Certification in Advanced Accounting Proficiency from Santa Clara University.

In my free time, I enjoy my family and being involved in my son’s school and extracurricular activities. I previously served as Treasurer on the boards for Cantiamo Sonoma and the Junior League of Napa-Sonoma. I also enjoy swimming, making and listening to music, cooking, gardening, and spending time near the ocean.

John Saephan, Associate

Before I began pursuing my accounting career, I was a Line Technician for Toyota in Roseville, CA and Santa Rosa, CA for 5 years. I was always captivated by the world of numbers and financial management which sparked my interest in Accounting. Therefore, I have accepted an Internship through DBMCPA as of 2024.

I’ve attended Santa Rosa Junior College and transferred to Sonoma State University where I will obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting expecting to graduate in December 2024.

In my free time, I like to hang with friends and family, take my cat out on walks, and also, collect trading cards.

John Tambauan, Associate

I started my career in public accounting in 2020 and joined DBMCPA in January 2024.

I attended Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to Sonoma State University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Financial Management.

In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, watching sports, and camping.

Tamara Figlar, CPA, Partner

After graduating from Sonoma State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an Accounting Concentration I began my foray into tax work as a Revenue Agent at the Internal Revenue Service.

I spent three years at the IRS after which I went into public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers in their Personal Financial Services group working with high-net-worth individuals on their personal, trust, and gift taxes. Since leaving the Big 4 my experience has ranged from working at a large regional firm to a small two CPA office, and most recently running my own tax practice.  Having worked at DBMCPA for a short time in 2012 I am so happy to be back with this terrific group of people.

When I am not working, I enjoy watching my son, and the Giant’s, play baseball. I can also be found taking my dog, Emma, on long walks around our neighborhood.

Elizabeth Smith, CPA, Accounting Services Manager

I am originally from San Luis Obispo, California. I graduated from St. Mary’s College of California and have been a CPA since 1988.  I have worked in the public accounting field for over 35 years, first with a mid-sized firm in Redwood City, and then on to my own tax, accounting, and audit firm after I moved from Hayward to Rohnert Park in 1991.  I have been active in community non-profit organizations over the years including the Madrone Audubon Society, the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Rancho Cotate Boosters. I have over 15 years’ experience with not-for-profit, school district and governmental audits, and over 35 year experience with individual, corporate, partnership and non-profit tax preparation and accounting services.  I was also a founding member of the Rohnert Park Mothers Club and am very grateful to have raised my 5 boys in the wonderful community of Sonoma County.

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