DWC CPAs and Advisors is pleased to announce the following promotions and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
Kate A. Bruno to Tax Senior
Growing up in Thornton, Kate came to the Western Slope to attend Colorado Mesa University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting. While in school, she interned with DWC and transitioned to a full-time role in May 2023.
Kate provides tax services to both individual and business clients, with a focus on self-employed taxpayers and sole proprietors, including small LLCs, rental properties, and agricultural operations. She is particularly interested in farm and agricultural taxation and is actively expanding her expertise in this area. She also works with partnerships and corporations, specializing in pass-through taxation, large consolidations, and oil and gas clients with royalty and working interests. Kate enjoys the technical complexity of these engagements and approaches each with precision and strategic insight.
Kate has volunteered with Food Bank of the Rockies and looks forward to expanding her involvement in community service initiatives. She is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Collin T. Klinker to Tax Senior
Collin earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting from Colorado Mesa University and joined DWC full-time in August 2023 after a successful internship with the firm. He has developed a strong interest in industries that drive both innovation and infrastructure, with a particular focus on serving construction companies and large, technology-driven businesses. Collin’s passion for these sectors is reflected in his commitment to providing dependable, forward-thinking service.
A Colorado native, Collin is originally from Conifer. He is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Chris R. Padilla-Romo to Tax Senior
A Montrose native, Chris began his journey with DWC as an intern and officially joined the team in January 2022. Since then, he has consistently demonstrated strong technical knowledge and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. In his role, Chris specializes in serving a diverse range of clients, including individuals, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), restaurants, and real estate businesses. He also brings valuable expertise in foreign tax matters.
Chris earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and Master of Accountancy with a concentration in taxation from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Temry M. Rodriguez to Tax Senior
Temry started with DWC as an intern and joined the firm full time in May 2023. She has made a strong impact through her work with both individual and business clients. Though she works with multiple industries, her passion lies in serving clients in the construction trades, an area she connects with personally through her own experience and strong family and community ties. This background allows her to bring valuable insight and a relatable perspective to the clients she supports.
Growing up in Olathe, Colorado, Temry graduated from Colorado Mesa University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting. She is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Madison H. Donnafield, SHRM-CP, to Human Resources Senior
Madison began her human resources career at DWC in 2021, following her graduation from Colorado Mesa University. In her role, she supports employees by providing guidance on a wide range of HR issues and oversees key HR functions including recruiting, benefits administration, and employee relations.
Madison holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned her SHRM-CP credential in 2024. She serves as the Conferences Director for SHRM Western Colorado and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Avery S. Hughes to Administrative Assistant
Since joining DWC in May 2023, Avery has been a valuable part of the team, providing essential support to the daily operations, employees, and clients of the Glenwood Springs office. She brings enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to her role, enjoying the variety and fast pace of being part of the support team, where there is always something new to take on and contribute to.
Originally from Glenwood Springs, Avery is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration and a certificate in professional bookkeeping at Colorado Mountain College.
She has consistently earned honor roll recognition throughout her academic journey. While her focus is currently on academics, she looks forward to becoming more involved in the community after graduation.
Additionally, DWC is pleased to announce that Ana Carbajal Barahona has earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and obtained Colorado licensure after successfully passing the Uniform CPA Examination.
The Uniform CPA Examination, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a nationally recognized standard for CPA qualification. It plays a critical role in protecting the public interest by ensuring only individuals who meet rigorous professional standards are licensed to practice.
Ana began her journey with DWC as an intern while pursuing her degree at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). She graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Accounting and joined the firm’s audit team full-time shortly thereafter. Originally from Houston, Texas, Ana found a deep connection to Colorado’s Western Slope during her time at CMU.
In her role as Audit Senior, Ana provides attest and accounting services, including audits, reviews, compilations, and agreed-upon procedures. She works with a diverse range of clients across industries such as higher education, construction, financial institutions, food service, governmental special districts, healthcare (including behavioral health), nonprofits, and employee benefit plans governed by ERISA. She also contributes to business valuation engagements in partnership with DWC’s credentialed valuation professionals. Ana is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs and AICPA.
To attain a CPA license, qualified applicants must pass a four-part exam with 14 hours of testing in auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. The test is one of four requirements to attain CPA licensure in Colorado; education, ethics discipline, and experience are also required. To maintain the CPA certification, licensees are required to take annual continuing professional education courses and other opportunities for professional development.
