OUR
TEAM
Our People Make the Difference
This may be the “About Us” page, but the first thing you should know is that we make it about you. Our success and happiness depend on your satisfaction with our services. We take the greatest pride in knowing we help make your life less stressful while maximizing your returns.
Jessica Brixius
Office Manager
Jessica is a lifelong resident of Lawrence, KS, where she has deep roots in the community. She is happily married to Anthony Brixius, the Deputy Chief of the Lawrence Police Department, and together they have two beautiful daughters.
Jessica spent 12 years working at Lawrence Memorial Hospital before joining the Sarah Williamson CPA team.
She enjoys spending her free time cheering on the KU Football team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the KC Royals. Jessica also loves working out, indulging in a good book, and caring for her beloved three-legged Pitbull, Harley.
When she has the chance, she loves to vacation on a beach. Her commitment to family and community shines through in all she does, making her a valued member of the Sarah Williamson CPA team.
Her favorite quote is, “Life is Ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Charles Swindoll
Kristy Teska
Enrolled Agent/Registered Tax Preparer
Kristy is a KU graduate with a BS in Accounting and Business Administration and a master’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems. She’s an Enrolled Agent with the IRS.
Kristy grew up in Lawrence and rural Franklin County. Kristi says working at SWCPA means getting to be a part of a top-rated local small business with many opportunities to learn.
Outside of work, she enjoys being creative with her current hobby of hand quilting. Her two children attend KU, and she does her best to keep up with them by working out and taking tennis lessons with her husband. Kristy and her husband hope to do a lot of traveling soon.
Shayeera Zaman
Staff Accountant
Shayeera is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor of
Science in Business in Accounting, followed by a Master of Accounting.
Shayeera is currently pursuing her CPA license while gaining practical experience with
the firm. She is committed to dependable support and building strong relationships with
people.
Outside of work, Shayeera enjoys traveling, water sports, and seeking out new
experiences. She loves exploring new places and making the most of opportunities to
learn, grow, and experience something different.
Lily Whittredge
Intern
Lily is a sophomore at the University of Kansas studying accounting. She currently serves as the treasurer of the KU Rock Climbing Club and is a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. Last summer, she had the opportunity to intern abroad in Santiago, Chile, where she gained professional experience in data analytics. She is excited to develop her skills in tax and looks forward to building her career in accounting. Outside of school, Lily enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends and family, working toward fitness goals, traveling, and trying new things.
Audrey Daubendiek
Intern
Audrey is a graduate student at the University of Kansas pursuing her Master of Accounting after graduating from KU with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She currently serves as a KPMG Campus Ambassador and enjoys staying connected with the firm and helping other students learn more about careers in accounting. Audrey gained experience in public and corporate accounting through internships with KPMG and Viterra/Bunge. While at KU, she served as Vice President of Finance for Alpha Chi Omega, managing chapter finances and budgeting. She enjoys building meaningful relationships, learning new things, and staying involved in her community. Audrey is excited to continue growing her accounting experience while working toward becoming a CPA.
Lego
We firmly believe Lego is Douglas County’s best part-time greeter (very part-time).
Sure, he may sleep on the job while the rest of us are working, but once a customer walks through the door, he gives the warmest welcome.
Lego’s favorite quote comes from George Carlin, “What do dogs do on their day off? Can’t lie around – that’s their job.”
Chili
AKA Chili Pepper, AKA Chili Dog, AKA Chili Girl, AKA Chill Dog Millionaire…
Chili has a lot of nicknames, and she gives a lot of love. Chili joined the Sarah Williamson CPA team in May of 2022. Her coworker Lego viewed the new hire as competition, but the two quickly became best friends.
Lego has trained her so well that we are confident the duo of Lego and Chili make up the best part-time greeting team in Douglas County. They absolutely love it when you walk through the door. In fact, Lego and Chili compete to see who can be most affectionate to clients.
Like Lego, Chili is a very part-time employee. She loves all things, especially walks, chasing butterflies, playing with Lego, new toys, ice and making new friends.