Dedicated professionals
Meet our Team
MPK Team Members:
Sr. Tax & Accounting Advisor
Israel “Monty” Kufa
Monty has broad experience in tax preparation and advisory services for high‑net‑worth individuals, partnerships, and trusts. His background includes working with multi‑entity structures, estate and gift taxation, and proactive tax planning, where he enjoys helping clients navigate complex financial matters with clarity and confidence.
Before joining MPK Advisors & CPAs, Monty worked with wealth management firms and boutique CPA practices, focusing on scenario analysis, tax projections, and client coaching. He values both technical excellence and strong client relationships, aiming to deliver practical solutions that add measurable value.
Monty is also passionate about serving mission‑driven organizations and has supported nonprofits and faith‑based groups, aligning closely with MPK’s purpose‑driven culture. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cal State San Marcos.
Outside of work, Monty enjoys specialty coffee, photography, and exploring high‑end audio systems, as well as spending time with his wife and three children in Southern California.
Senior Bookkeeping Advisor
Debbie Witherwax
Debbie has worked in the field of bookkeeping and accounting for 30 years and enjoys the daily challenges as well as the variety that comes with it. She has worked with clients in real estate, restaurants, municipal water districts, publications, construction and trucking as well as retail and service industries. She has an extensive background with computers and related accounting software. She has worked with sole proprietors, corporations, LLC’s, and limited partnerships. Debbie has obtained her QuickBooks Online Certification and is responsible for client training as well as bookkeeping and payroll services.
Debbie is also a 5th generation native of Murrieta. Her family came to Murrieta in the late 1800’s and has been in this valley ever since. She has so many great memories of growing up in our wonderful community and through the years has learned to appreciate how rare it is to have lifelong friendships with people she has known for many years.
Debbie is a great asset to MPK Advisors & CPA’s and its clients to provide a dedicated and experienced accounting resource!
Staff Accounting Advisor
Julie Hawkins
Julie is an alumna of Western Governors University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. With a wealth of experience in the non-profit sector, Julie is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and fostering community engagement.
A recent Riverside County resident, she has embraced the local culture through her love of hiking, nurturing succulents and other flora, and cherishing quality time with her loved ones and furry companions.
Bookkeeping Advisor
Johanny Valiente
Johanny was born in The Dominican Republic where she obtained her bachelor’s in accounting from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henrique Urena (UNPHU), Summa Cum Laude in 2004. She lived in Spain where she obtained her master’s degree in finance, while she lived there, she had the opportunity to travel and enjoy the beauty and diversity of different cities, their people and their culture.
Johanny moved to California in 2014, and has worked in the tax industry since 2015. She has also provided bookkeeping and payroll services for different types of businesses. She enjoys her work so much, because through it she can help to improve the lives of the people she works with. She loves educating her clients in making wise decisions that will have a lasting impact on their life and businesses.
I enjoy spending time with my husband and my kids, traveling, going to the movies and restaurants. I like gardening, crafting, Bible studies and helping with the kids’ ministries at my church.
Administrative Assistant
Makenzie Garcia
Makenzie was born in Poway and raised in the Temecula Valley. She has worked in customer service and administrative roles since she graduated high School. She is currently pursuing her degree in Psychology. She is very passionate about getting to know people and helping them reach their goals at any point in life. She is always seeking to grow, learn new things, and stretch her knowledge base.
Her husband, daughter and she enjoy going to Knotts Berry Farm, the park, and anything and everything in between. They also enjoy the time they get to spend with their families and their church family.
Accounting Advisor
Joyce Tan
Joyce holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science with a minor in Accounting from UC San Diego. With 12 years of experience at a faith-based credit counseling nonprofit, she is well-versed in compliance, accounting, and financial reporting. As a former Compliance Officer, her responsibilities grew to include budget forecasting, audit preparation, and quarterly reporting to the board.
Passionate about financial literacy, Joyce guides and encourages individuals to make informed, holistic decisions about their finances. She has passed all four sections of the CPA exam and is currently pursuing licensure.
Originally from Malaysia, Joyce moved to California for college and relocated to Murrieta in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys family time, trying new restaurants, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.
Accounting Advisor
Gabriel Madrigal
Gabriel earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from California State University San Marcos and is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Accountancy at San Diego State University. Prior to joining MPK Advisors & CPAs, he worked in corporate financial reporting for a publicly traded medical device company, where he gained experience in external audits, financial reporting, ERP implementations, compliance, and process improvement.
Gabriel is currently working toward CPA licensure and is passionate about helping businesses improve their accounting processes and reporting. He enjoys building strong client relationships and providing reliable, dependable support that helps business owners make informed decisions with confidence.
A Murrieta native, Gabriel is excited to serve clients throughout the local community and continue growing his accounting and advisory expertise.
Accounting Advisor
John Lien
John Lien is originally from Taiwan and holds a bachelor’s degree in public finance. He later came to the United States to earn his MBA in Finance from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. He is based in Temecula, California and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). John brings experience from both industry and public accounting environments, with an industry background in life sciences and manufacturing, where he supported month-end close activities, financial reporting, and core accounting functions within large ERP systems.
In public accounting, John has experience with bookkeeping, payroll, and preparation of individual income tax returns using QuickBooks. He enjoys working closely with clients to help keep their financial records accurate, organized, and up to date, and strives to make accounting and tax matters clear and approachable.
