Our Incredible Staff

John Nelson

General Manager / Senior Tax Consultant

John Nelson, General Manager at Instant Tax Solutions, is an accomplished professional with over 23 years of experience in business management, human resources, training, and consulting. With a mindset of service and advocacy, he is responsible for supporting and managing the daily business operations, brand management, and strategic business development.

Prior to joining ITS, John was a District Manager in the banking industry. His greatest strengths are his vision, drive, and leadership. John thrives on challenges, particularly those that succeed client expectations – never over-committing and under-delivering.

John holds a BA in business from College of Idaho. In his free time, John’s hobbies include anything and everything sports.

Steve Sherer

Tax Attorney

Clients benefit from Steve’s extensive knowledge of IRS procedures and the Tax Code. His years of experience applying that knowledge in administrative hearings and negotiations before the IRS have made him a powerful force on the side of troubled taxpayers.

Steve has his Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Chico and his Juris Doctor with a Taxation Concentration from University of Pacific. His background includes over ten years of experience as a Tax Attorney working in the Tax Relief industry.

Relocating from Northern California to North Idaho in 2014, Steve enjoys the mountains, trees, and the rustic–yet vibrant–atmosphere that the Inland Northwest has to offer.

Jennifer Halverson

Attorney

Jennifer has worked in the tax resolution industry for over 15 years and is passionate about advocating for her clients. Jennifer earned her JD from the University of Louisville and her Master’s in Environmental Law, with focus in dispute resolution, from Vermont Law School. Bringing her legal background and passion for dispute resolution together, she uses her experience working with both the State & IRS taxing authorities to ensure successful outcomes for her clients. Jennifer truly enjoys working with people from all walks of life and being able to navigate through the resolution process on their behalf.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys being outdoors and is often found in the mountains, skiing & hiking or on her bike exploring the trails surrounding her home. She enjoys camping with her family & friends and traveling to new places.

Eric Joseph

Case Manager, E.A.

Eric’s in-depth experience and strategy of representing clients before the IRS and State, has helped clients of Instant Tax Solutions for over 8 years. Before joining ITS, Eric worked for the IRS as an Auditor and Revenue Agent for 17 years. Eric graduated from University of Texas with a Bachelor’s degree.

In his spare time, Eric enjoys swimming, diving, and traveling the world.

Elizabeth Schurman

Case Manager, E.A.

After Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with the Accounting Emphasis, she began her accounting career preparing income taxes for popular tax franchises such as Liberty Tax and Jackson Hewitt.  Elizabeth then came to work at Instant Tax Solutions preparing income taxes.  She earned her Enrolled Agent license to practice before the IRS and state tax boards.  Later in her career, Elizabeth took a position to work for a Certified Fraud Examiner where she acquired skills to recognize potentially fraudulent activity.  She provided income tax services as well as audits, tax planning, bookkeeping and asset valuations.

Because of her many years of studying tax subjects and providing customer service, Elizabeth is most compassionate for helping taxpayers with their tax matters.  Educating folks about their taxpayer rights and tax obligations in expectations to prevent any further tax issues has been the most rewarding accounting service Elizabeth has provided in her career and she is glad to be back at Instant Tax Solutions.

Fabiola Ramirez

Case Manager, E.A.

Fabiola began her career in Customer Service, before moving to the tax industry. She has more than 10 years’ experience in Tax Resolution, which includes offers in compromise, installment agreements, partial pay installment agreements and levy releases. She became a licensed Enrolled Agent in 2015. Fabiola enjoys the challenge of resolution and finds great satisfaction in helping her clients get relief from their tax burdens.

When she is not working, she loves traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kimberly Carnochan

Case Manager, E.A.

Lana Au

Case Manager, E.A.

Lana has experience in the banking and mortgage industry. After the mortgage crash of 2008 she decided to obtain her Enrolled Agent license after being a receptionist at a tax resolution firm. She has over 9 years of experience in the resolution industry and is passionate about assisting her clients.

She enjoys traveling and exploring the world with her husband and 2 boys.

Megan Au

Case Manager, E.A.

Megan has over 15 years of customer service in various settings such as Escrow, Insurance, and student loans. However, her focus for the past 9 years has been in the tax resolution industry. To ensure she is up to date with current tax laws and to broaden her knowledge in the tax resolution field, she attends web seminars and workshops to learn tricks of the trade to help her clients get their tax debts resolved. She finds the work she does challenging and at the same time rewarding, especially when it comes to educating and coaching her clients on future tax compliance.

When she is not working, Megan enjoys cooking for family gatherings, dining out, traveling and online shopping. She is currently dabbling in baking and cookie decorating.

Anh Ho

Case Manager, E.A.

Anh earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance from the California State University of Northridge. She began her career in the tax resolution industry in 2008 starting off as a client specialist. After several years of working, she found that tax resolution was both intriguing and rewarding and decided to obtain her Enrolled Agent license. She finds the field to be quite challenging but very fulfilling at the same time because many taxpayers do not have knowledge regarding tax law, so she finds joy in being able to guide them.

In Anh’s spare time, she enjoys spending it with her family and traveling to tropical locations.

Jackie Rubio

Case Manager, E.A.

Jackie has worked in the tax resolution industry since 2011, after receiving her bachelor’s degree from Cal State University, Northridge. She has extensive experience in the resolution of business employment tax, audits, and trust fund assessments. Jackie uses her passion for writing to write letters of appeal, convincing proposals, and correspondence to taxing authorities to get the best possible outcome for her clients. In her spare time, she likes to read, watch period dramas, and camping with her family in their RV.

JoDean Hysom

Tax Preparation Manager

After graduating from Eastern Washington University magna cum laude with a BA in Accounting and Management Information Systems, JoDean went into tax preparation and brings to ITS over 9 years of experience.

Additionally, JoDean volunteers for VITA and AARP. Her off-the-job interests include being outdoors with her family, camping, hiking, watching movies, and crafting.

Tom Burke

Tax Preparer, C.P.A.

Tom joined Instant Tax Solutions in 2017. Tom has graduated with a BA from Eastern Washington University with honors, Magna Cum Laude. He also has 2 related degrees in accounting and business from Spokane Community College. He has recently passed the uniform CPA examination and is on his way to becoming a CPA.

When Tom is out of the office he enjoys being outdoors, visiting family, and is a huge fan of sports.

Brook Zanetti

Tax Preparer

Brook started with Instant Tax Solutions in 2021 and has been preparing taxes for over for 23 years. It’s Brook’s ultimate goal to help taxpayers better understand the taxation process, and to help them plan for a better financial future.

She was born & raised in the Silver Valley and just recently moved to Lewiston. She is a very proud mother of two children and just became a grandmother. When she’s not doing taxes she loves the outdoors, skiing, hiking, and camping.

Rick Johnston

Administrative Assistant

Rick has been with Instant Tax Solutions since 2010. Coming to ITS from a 15 year career in a lumber mill, Rick has adapted amazingly over the years to become one of the longest tenured employees at Instant Tax Solutions. His casual and easy going mentality makes it a pleasure for all of our clients and fellow employees to work with.

In Rick’s spare time he enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, and everything outdoors.

Elijah Woodman

Administrative Assistant

Elijah joined the Instant Tax Solutions team in 2014 as a receptionist directly out of high school. Due to his prior commitment to the Armed Forces, Elijah left for 2 years and returned in 2017 and became an administrative assistant.

Elijah has shown both growth and maturity since becoming an employee at age 18. He spends most his time with his new wife. In his spare time, Elijah enjoys playing sports, video games, concerts, and traveling.

Jessica O'Clock

Administrative Assistant

Jessica joined our team in 2017 as a receptionist. Due to her hard work and dedication to our clients, she is now an administrative assistant for our firm. She worked as a cosmetologist before coming to Instant Tax Solutions. She has an extensive work history entailed with customer service.

Jessica has 2 kids and when she isn’t spending time with her family, she loves to spend her free time either reading or enjoying the outdoors.

Alyssa Bryson

Administrative Assistant

Alyssa joined Instant Tax Solutions in 2020 after returning from college at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.  Alyssa received her AA from North Idaho College while still being in high school.  This drive and compassion to succeed has made her a perfect fit for our company.  She plans on studying for the Enrolled Agent’s exam, and finishing this in 2021.

Alyssa loves working out, being outdoors, spending time with her family, but most importantly her dog Lacy, who she loves spending all her extra time with.

Maria Pfeiffer

Administrative Assistant

Maria joined the ITS team as a receptionist, but quickly transitioned to an administrative assistant. She has over 10 years of experience in various customer service positions including her most recent past employment as a receptionist and surgery coordinator in a dental office. Maria currently holds a BA in Liberal Arts as well as a CompTIA A+ certification.

In her free time, Maria enjoys hiking with her dog, reading, and trying new things such as artisanal baking and photography. She also loves visiting with her parents, 13 siblings, and friends.

Brea Daniels

Administrative Assistant

Brea joined our team in 2021 as an administrative assistant. She has an extensive work history which includes customer service as a certified paralegal and working with the disabled community of North Idaho.

Brea is inspired daily by her three children. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her children participate in sports, enjoying the outdoors, and she is very active as a volunteer and board member for one of the local little leagues, in which she has been a part of for the last 15 years.

Alise Tanner

Front Office Manager

Alise joined our team in 2017. She started as a receptionist and her drive has allowed our firm to assign many different job activities to her, which includes handling Excel tracking for the owners, all IT customer service, Accounts Receivable, procedural development; and many other items.

Alise has a Paralegal Certificate from North Idaho College. Prior to working at Instant Tax Solutions, she was a paralegal for an attorney in Spokane, Washington.  Alise has more than 7 years of office experience, and she enjoys finding new ways to make our company function more efficiently.

Alise has two daughters (9 and 12) whom she positively adores. In her free time she immensely enjoys reading, writing, gardening and camping.

Brenna Tanner

Receptionist

Brenna joined our firm in 2018 as a receptionist and is one of the first faces people see upon entering Instant Tax Solutions. She brings with her a bachelor’s degree in general studies, as well as extensive volunteer and work experience in assisting children and families within the community. She takes pride in providing excellent customer service by greeting each new client with a sense of comfort, and genuine sincerity.

Brenna enjoys new and exciting experiences, hiking, swimming, reading, and spending time with her 3-year-old son, who is an avid bowler.

Stacy Leslie

Accounts Receivable

Stacy joined our firm in 2016 after relocating to the area from Southern California. Her warm personality and ability to communicate with clients makes her a valuable team member at Instant Tax Solutions. When you reach her, her calm manner and smile shines over the phone. Stacy has over 11 years’ experience in the tax and accounting industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University of Fullerton.

She is also a proud mother of four wonderful children. She is happiest when reading a book and spending time with her family.

Katey Knaack

Administrative Assistant

Katey was welcomed to our team in 2019 as a receptionist and has since moved into her current position as Administrative Assistant. While working at Instant Tax Solutions, she is also going to school full time to graduate with her Child Development degree. Katey has outstanding customer service and welcomes everyone who enters our office with a smile.

Katey is also a part of the NIC Women’s soccer team. She is always staying busy, but when she has some free time, she is spending it with her family and friends. She is the oldest of four siblings and does everything she can to be the best role model for her siblings.

Glen Barber II

Senior Tax Consultant

Glen Barber II joined Instant Tax Solutions in 2009 as an experienced consultant. Glen consults with a diverse array of clients on a daily basis, helping liaise between our clients and the resolution team to ensure an exceptional client experience. He achieves this objective by going through the initial consultation and then preparing a resolution strategy based on our clients’ current financial situation and their objectives for resolution.

Prior to consulting, Glen served 7 years in the US Army. He also earned an Associate’s Degree from Angelo State University. Outside of ITS, Glen enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, snow skiing, sports, and travelling.

Aaron Brumfield

Senior Tax Consultant

Aaron Brumfield, Senior Tax Consultant brings over 25 years of professional marketing and business development experience to Instant Tax Solutions. Aaron is responsible for business development, taxpayer consultations, and customer service.

Prior to joining ITS, Aaron was involved in business development with Qwest and Verizon Directories Corporation. He also served as a Marketing Director for a local cutting edge Media Technology Company. Aaron’s strengths include leadership and figuring out creative ways to help clients.

Aaron holds a BA in English/Business Option from Washington State University. In his free time, Aaron enjoys family, outdoor activities, and sports.

Jace Rutherford

Senior Tax Consultant

As an experienced Senior Tax Consultant, Jace consults with clients to help get them the relief they need. When things need to happen quickly to get a wage garnishment or bank levy addressed, Jace walks clients through the complete resolution process in an efficient and comfortable manner.

Jace is actively involved in coaching the area’s youth, teens, and young men in baseball. He also enjoys spending time and travelling with his wife and 4 boys.

Avery Woodman

Senior Tax Consultant

Avery is working as a consultant at Instant Tax Solutions, while finishing his senior year at the University of Northern Colorado. He will graduate with a degree in Business Marketing in May of 2020 and move back home afterwards to continue his career with our company.

While not working or attending classes, Avery enjoys spending time watching sports, attending concerts and traveling.