Thought Partner, Financial Coach, External CFO, for your business and life
What We Do
At Creating Answers, we offer an outside the box hybrid model of external Chief Financial Officer services and financial coaching. In conjunction with this we offer bookkeeping, financial analytics, cash flow projections, budget composition, and much more. And we make it fun!
When it comes to financial support, one size doesn't fit all. That's why we customize a package based on you or your organization's needs and budget. We'll listen to your ideas, goals, and challenges and create your financial clarity path. We look, see and tell the truth about your finances through consistent communication and the use of creative financial tools.
We consider ourselves partners in the businesses, organizations and families we work with.
Whether you are an individual, an entrepreneur, or living in the not-for-profit world, we make a great addition to your financial team.
Our Team
Her passion for numbers and helping people find stability and growth in their finances drives Creating Answers to new heights. She has worked with hundreds of businesses throughout her career and has started, sold, and purchased multiple businesses of her own. A hidden talent for interior design and a love for visiting wineries with the intention to someday own one herself of course. Her most important role is being mom to a little girl who is sure to rule the world someday.
Shawna Fitzgerald
Fearless Leader / CEO
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Stacey Powell
One of the most creative people you'll ever meet. Her ideas are limitless and well matched by her get it done attitude. A well-respected leader with nearly three decades of experience transforming financial systems for not-for-profit organizations and small businesses. Her love of not-for-profits led her to start Creating Answers and it carries through in all the work she does. A deep passion for personal finance transformation and education led her to start Finance Gym. Check it out at www.thefinancegym.com. A board gamer at heart, you can find her playing Agricola with her friends or 20-something kid.
Chief of Strategic Impact / Not-for-Profit CFO
With many years of experience in operations management, bookkeeping, and human resources, Rachel enjoys all aspects of making a business run successfully. Her two passions are numbers and people. She’s worked in a variety of industries throughout her career, including non-profits. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, checking out new restaurants, and spending time with her family outdoors or at the beach.
Rachel Summerton
Empress of Implementation/Operations & Culture Manager
Amy Schutz
We have our very own Southern belle! Amy started her career spending 10 years in public accounting working with many different industries including small businesses and medical practices. Exploring her philanthropic side, she spent 7 years as an Executive Director for a local Habitat for Humanity. Ultimately, she found her true passion was returning to accounting and working with small businesses. You can find her camping, boating, and enjoying wine night with the girls! Amy lives in Alabama with her husband, 2 stepsons, and her 2 Yorkshire Terrier's Daisy and Max, who rule the roost.
Zen Master of Profit / For Profit CFO
Jenifer Beyer
Jenifer has dedicated her career to making a positive impact to the bottom line as a Controller and CFO. With her extensive knowledge of accounting practices and procedures, she enjoys turning chaos into organized systems and loves collaborating as a team. Jenifer lives 2 miles from the Canada – US border in a small Montana town. She has great passion for her family and music and can be found spending time doing a variety of outdoor activities or traveling every chance she gets.
For Profit CFO
Jessica Swingle
Jessica spent the first decade of her career in public accounting working with local governments, multiple business industries, and nonprofits, followed by 11 years occupying various leadership roles in the Finance Office of a not-for-profit higher education institution. On weekends you can find her outside in all seasons doing a long run through the Pennsylvania countryside, followed by dinner at one of her favorite craft breweries or relaxing at home with a glass of wine and a good suspense novel.
Non-Prophetess of Finance / Not-for-Profit CFO
Aimee Eschenfelder
Aimee believes in being a servant leader and brings over a decade of nonprofit finance experience with her to Creating Answers. A balanced spreadsheet brings her almost as much joy as a hot Americano coffee. In her free time, Aimee enjoys riding her pandemic-inspired Peloton to nowhere and training year-round for half marathons. Aimee loves to be outside and is happiest in the mountains either hiking or skiing. She shares her home with her husband, two kids, and Finn; a fluffy, seven-pound rescue dog.
Not-for-Profit CFO
With a true love for audits, budgets, and forecasts it's no wonder she fits right in with our team. Jenn joined the non-profit world three years ago and instantly knew it was her passion. When she's not implementing new client software she can be found at a concert, movie, or sporting event with her 2 kids. She's a huge Raiders fan!
Jennifer Rogers
Queen of Compliance / Not-for-Profit Controller
Sovereigness of Structure / Not-for-Profit Controller
A master at the art of organization and crushing not-for-profit's month end deadlines. This mother of two has over 20 years of accounting and business experience working in many different industries. She by far has the most interesting stories of anyone on our team. On the weekends she can be found teaching dance and religion to children.
Jody Lozano
A true positive thinker, believing a positive mind will get through just about anything. Emilia started her career in public accounting in Tanzania, and later found her passion for not-for-profits after moving to the states. She loves numbers and enjoys meeting new challenges. Outside of work, she likes nature, traveling, and trying new food.
Emilia Kandendula
Emissary of Effectiveness/Not-for-Profit Senior Accountant
Our resident animal rescuer, Laura has more than two decades of experience in small business and not-for-profit accounting and management. She and her husband share their home with four dogs, two chickens, and the occasional foster or stray dog. You can also find her bird watching or trying the newest restaurant in town.
Laura Blickle
The Number Whisperer / Lead Senior Accountant
Claire believes working with organizations with meaningful missions makes accounting fun and impactful. She shares her love for non-profit accounting and years of experience in bookkeeping, financial reporting, payroll, and organizational budgets with our amazing clients. Claire speaks a multitude of languages and continues on the journey to learn more. She lives in the sunny state of Florida with her daughter and enjoys watching movies and spending time with her family.
Claire Akakpo
Not-for-Profit Senior Accountant
What Our Clients Say
Join Our Team
We are always on the lookout for our newest creative and dynamic team member. Please send your cover letter and resume to JoinTheTeam@creatinganswers.com.