Dedicated professionals
Meet our Team
MPK Team Members:
Michael Klein
Johanny Valiente
Makenzie Garcia
Partner
Brenda Calkins, CPA
Brenda has had 32 years of professional experience in public and private accounting and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University, San Bernardino, where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society and was named to the Dean’s List.
Brenda has worked for both Ernst & Young, and large local CPA firms in the Inland Empire. Her corporate experience includes Bausch and Lomb’s ophthalmic surgical division and Bourns corporate offices in Riverside. In addition, she has taught accounting as an adjunct instructor at Chaffey Community College.
Brenda’s primary focus has been to serve as a business consultant for small to medium-sized businesses in accounting, QuickBooks training, support, and installation as a Certified Professional Advisor, as well as to provide tax compliance and planning for individuals, as well as businesses and trusts.
Brenda has been the author of several articles on accounting and tax and was a committee member for the Succession Planning Conference for the California Society of CPA’s Education Foundation as well as a speaker for the conference. She has served on the board of directors for nonprofit organizations and has Co-Authored a book on tax and financial planning.
Professional Affiliations:
California State Board of Accountancy,
Certified QuickBooks Professional Advisor
Community Services:
California Society of Certified Public Accountants Educations Foundation, Former Board Member/Speaker
North Oaks Owners Association, Former Board Member
Jacob’s House, Volunteer
The Oakes Holiday Centre, Sheffield, England, Short Term Missionary
Rancho Community Church and Center Point church Volunteer,
P.R.O.J.E.C.T. Touch Volunteer
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.