Lance Sample, CPA | Manager
Sample & Bailey is a firm that has created a family like environment. The people here are great to work with, and the amount of knowledge and expertise is amazing. The firm is involved in many community activities, which I enjoy participating in.
Lance is a Fort Collins native. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Colorado State University before joining Sample & Bailey in 2002. Lance’s expertise touches all clients, and he specializes in the medical arena. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and attending CSU sporting events.
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Loveland Sertoma – Treasurer
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County – Board Member
- Fort Collins Country Club
Janie Caradec, CPA | Manager
When my husband, daughter, and I moved to Fort Collins in 1998, I only wanted to work part-time during busy season. Sample & Bailey’s family-friendly environment provided me with this opportunity. As my circumstances changed, so did my work schedule, and today I am a Tax Manager with a flexible year-round work schedule.
Janie graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1983, and she obtained her CPA license in 1985. Janie’s serves medium to large companies with multi-state activities, and she specializes in manufacturing and retail.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Larimer Center for Mental Health – Treasurer
- Northern Colorado A&M Club – Member
Thomas Ahrens, CPA | Supervisor
Sample & Bailey was everything I was looking for in an accounting firm. I get to live in wonderful Fort Collins, work with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in Northern Colorado, and be part of a firm that values teamwork and the community at large.
Originally from Appleton, WI, Thomas grew up in Glenwood Springs. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Colorado State University in 2006. Upon graduation, he joined the firm’s tax staff and extended his expertise by serving clients in both the tax and audit practices. In 2009, Thomas earned his CPA designation. His experience includes consulting and compliance for individual, business, and nonprofit clients.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Active NOCO 20/30 – Member
- Colorado State Club Baseball Team – Coach
- Ptarmigan Country Club – Member
- Ram Club – Member
Louise Dickinson, CPA | Supervisor
I enjoy the opportunity to work on a wide variety of clients and projects at Sample & Bailey, including individual, business, multi-state and international tax issues. I enjoy working for a firm that is a part of the community.
Louise is a supervisor in the tax department at Sample & Bailey. She has been with the firm since 2005, when she started as an intern while studying for her Bachelor of Business Administration at Colorado State University. Louise received her CPA certification in 2008.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Society of Women Accountants
- Bas Bleu Theatre Company – Board of Directors
Cindy Graul | Senior Tax Specialist
Sample & Bailey is the ideal mid-size accounting firm. We have a diverse client base, and both the culture and our commitment to serving clients continues to be a perfect fit for me.
Cindy was raised in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in 1977. In 1995, she relocated to Fort Collins, and she joined our tax staff in 1996. Cindy has deep experience in public accounting in the tax area, but she peppers that with six years of experience in the private sector, too.
Memberships & Affiliations
- University of Texas Alumni
- Rocky Mountain Flycasters ( Trout Unlimited Chapter )
Cassandra Lenfert, CPA | Supervisor
I moved to Fort Collins to work at S&B – it is an all around great place to work. Our size allows us to have a close-knit environment while our involvement with PKF enables us to serve clients doing business across a broad range of industries throughout the country and internationally.
Cassandra grew up in southern Indiana, and she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Professional Services from the University of Southern Indiana. She spent the first few years of her career in the tax department of a small public accounting firm in Indianapolis, IN. In 2008, Cassandra earned the CPA designation and she joined the S&B team in 2009.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Larimer Center for Mental Health – Board Member
Alisa Newton, CPA | Supervisor
As a college student about to enter into the world of accounting, I joined Sample & Bailey as an intern. Now, nearly 10 years later, I am still here! I enjoy working with the shareholders and staff: everyone makes our firm a truly wonderful place to work.
Alisa graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She began working at Sample & Bailey as an intern in 2001. Since then, she has worked as an internal accountant, as well as on the accounting services, audit, and tax teams.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Society of Women Accountants
Michelle Rouillard | Senior Tax Specialist
Having worked in larger cities with both public and private multi-national companies, I was impressed with the accounting and tax services offered by Sample & Bailey. Here, I have the opportunity to expand my skills in taxation, all the while drawing upon my knowledge from past experience in audit and financial accounting.
Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma State University. Before joining Sample & Bailey, she worked eleven years in financial accounting in both public and industry beginning with the audit department at Deloitte & Touche in Dallas, Texas. In 1999, she and her family moved to Fort Collins, and she joined Sample & Bailey in 2005. Michelle has broad and deep experience in a variety of industries including real estate, manufacturing, nonprofit and financial institutions.
Memberships & Affiliations
- Junior League of Fort Collins – Past Treasurer
- Arsenal Soccer – Fundraising Coordinator
- Fort Collins Soccer Club
Ryan Wedel, CPA | Supervisor
I chose Sample & Bailey because of the great people that work here. Everyone is very knowledgeable and personable. This, coupled with the challenging work and diverse client base, makes Sample & Bailey a great place to work.
Ryan grew up in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and Finance from Colorado State University. He earned his Master of Science in Taxation from Arizona State University. Ryan joined Sample & Bailey in 2009, and he enjoys working with closely-held businesses, including construction companies and medical groups, as well as lending expertise in multi-jurisdictional tax issues.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Overland Sertoma – Board Member
Linda Yip, CPA | Supervisor
My favorite things about working here are the people and the job itself. Because of our size, I can get to know everyone on a personal level, employees and clients alike. And there is always something different and exciting going on, either in the field of taxation or in a client’s individual situation.
Linda has degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Colorado State University. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Accountancy with an emphasis in taxation. Linda worked as a graphic designer in Chicago for a short time before moving to Fort Collins and switching careers to accounting.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Society of Women Accountants
- Junior League of Fort Collins
Lisa Bring, CPA | Senior
We enjoy a close-knit environment where the employees all know each other, but we’re large enough we can pool our resources and respond to any problem our clients face. Sample & Bailey values work/life balance, while also providing opportunities for all of us, on all levels, to be challenged and grow professionally.
Originally from Colorado Springs, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an accounting concentration in 2010. She started as an intern for Sample & Bailey in 2007, joined the firm part-time on staff in 2009, and starting working as a full-time tax accountant after graduation in 2010. Lisa also earned her CPA license in 2010.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Beta Alpha Psi – Alumnus
- Beta Gamma Sigma – Alumnus
- Delta Sigma Pi – Alumnus
- Mensa – Member
Jennie Steinmetz, CPA | Senior
I picked Sample & Bailey because I was very excited to be part of such a team-oriented company. I enjoy my time here with my wonderful coworkers and being involved in the community. The family atmosphere makes me excited to come to work every day!
Jennie graduated from Colorado State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science and Business Administration with emphasis in accounting. She began her career at Sample & Bailey as an intern, and then joined the team as full-time staff in 2010. Jennie received her CPA designation in 2011.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Public Accountants Society of Colorado
- American Society of Women Accountants
Lyndsey Meier | Staff
I picked Sample & Bailey because I have access to mentors at all levels with an array of expertise. The relationships I have developed with my mentors and other co-workers make coming to work each day more enjoyable.
Lyndsey is originally from Sterling, CO and moved to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University where she received her Bachelor of Science and Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She joined Sample & Bailey in 2009 and joined the firm’s tax staff in 2010. Lyndsey is currently studying to earn her CPA license.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Society of Women Accountants - Vice President
- Junior League of Fort Collins – New Member
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants – Associate Member
Lauren Paul | Staff
I first learned about Sample & Bailey while living in Denver: my accounting colleagues told me about both the community outreach and excellent accounting services. As one of the newer team members, I am grateful for the sharp minds, helpful advice and smiling faces.
Lauren is originally from Fort Collins, CO and attended the University of Colorado, Boulder. She earned a Bachelor of Art in Spanish (translation and interpretation) and a Bachelor in Fine Art. During 2005, Lauren moved to Valparaíso, Chile to further study Spanish at the Universidad Católico and to explore South America. Her travels sparked an interest in business and accounting, so upon her return, she moved to Denver to earn a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Colorado, Denver. During her free time, she performs with a Bollywood dance troupe, paints, and enjoys the outdoors.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Society of Women Accountants – President
- Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Denver Art Museum – Member and Docent
- Bollywood Galaxie Dance
