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 finance’s 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.
Fearless Leader / CEO
Shawna Fitzgerald
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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
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
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.
Not-for-Profit CFO
Sovereigness of Structure / Not-for-Profit Senior Accountant
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
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 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
Goddess of Operations
Rose Sheppard
The perfect blend of accounting and administration. Rose has 15 years of experience in small business bookkeeping and office management. She has a fun blended family, with two teens of her own, plus two stepdaughters and a new granddaughter. A creative at heart she enjoys photography, cooking, and visiting Northern California's breweries and wineries.
The Chaos Coordinator
While working behind the scenes to keep our operations smoothly sailing she is entertaining, enthusiastic, and up for whatever challenge comes her way. A former Dental Assistant of 11 years and a country girl at heart. Along with her husband and 3 adorable dogs, she loves to travel and explore. After nearly 12 years of living in Utah she’s enjoying all the California breweries.
Tonya Schlieper
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 .