Bios

Avrum B. Schonwald, CPA - Managing Director

Avie Schonwald is one of the founding partners of Candy & Schonwald. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969 with a BBA in Accounting, and obtained his MBA in 1971 from North Texas State University. Avie began work in the field of public accounting in June 1971 with Laventhol&Horwath. On May 1, 1976, Avie and Jerry Candy founded Candy & Schonwald. Avie's interests include tax, audit, divorce consulting and negotiations, estate management, and business consulting. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs and its Dallas Chapter. Avie is a supporter of using clear communication to help his clients in the best possible way. He is very involved in the lives of his clients. In his spare time, Avie enjoys golfing, walking, wine-tasting, and traveling.

Kathy Quinn, CPA - Director

Kathy Quinn graduated magna cum laude in 1985 from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, with a BBA in Accounting. She began her career with Ernst &Whinney in San Antonio, Texas before joining Candy & Schonwald in January 1988, shortly after moving to Dallas. Kathy's areas of interest include estate and trust planning, estate administration, retirement planning, and general tax compliance. She is working on designation as a Certified Estate Planner. Kathy is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Dallas Estate Planners Council, the Texas Society of CPAs and its Dallas Chapter, and has served on the board of the Dallas Chapter of the American Women's Society of CPAs. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys volleyball, reading spy/mystery/crime novels, gardening, and spending time with teen daughter, Shelby.

Terrance S. Eckert, CPA/ABV, CFF - Director

Practicing in tax compliance and planning, Terry Eckert counsels corporations, S-corporations, partnerships and individuals on financial issues including income forecasting, investment analysis, management advisory services and personnel compensation. He is an Accredited Business Valuator, performing business valuations for privately held and family-owned companies. In addition, he is responsible for managing audit and other financial reporting engagements. His professional memberships include the American College of Forensic Examiners, the American Institute of CPAs and the Texas Society of CPAs and its Dallas chapter. Terry's hobbies include gardening, traveling and working crossword puzzles in addition to spending time with his wife and son.

Jerry Candy, CPA

Jerry Candy is one of the founding partners of Candy & Schonwald. He graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1967 with a BBA in Accounting, and began working in public accounting in December 1964 for Lybrand, Ross Brothers & Montgomery. On May 1, 1976, Jerry and Avie Schonwald founded Candy & Schonwald. Jerry's interests include estate planning and all areas of federal taxation. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Texas Society of CPAs and its Dallas Chapter, the Diplomatic American Board of Forensic Accountants, and the American College of Forensic Examiners. An accredited estate planner, Jerry is also licensed to practice in the State of Hawaii and is a member of the Hawaii Society of CPAs. In his spare time, Jerry enjoys walking, collecting Rocky and Bullwinkle memorabilia, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Lance Rosenfield, CPA - Tax Supervisor & Network Administration

Lance graduated in 1995 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, with a BBA in Accounting and a Minor in Finance. He joined Candy & Schonwald in September 1995 shortly after graduating from college. In addition to tax work and as a result of his natural interest in computers and technology, he is also became Network Administrator. He is particularly interested in technology planning and implementation, including accounting systems. He also enjoys helping clients use Quicken and Quickbooks. As a tax accountant, he enjoys trust and individual return preparation. His interests include college and professional sporting events and attending concerts of all types of music.

Eva Hodges, CPA - Tax Supervisor

Eva graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2002 with a BBA in Accounting. Shortly thereafter she joined Candy & Schonwald, PLLC. She obtained her CPA license in 2005. Her areas of interest include partnerships and individual taxation along with retirement benefit plans and Texas franchise tax. She is a member of the American Institute of CPA's, Texas Society of CPA's and its Dallas Chapter.

Annette Wilie, EA - Tax Supervisor

Annette began her career in 1986 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. She has worked in both private industry and public accounting. She joined Candy & Schonwald, PLLC in 2005. Her emphasis has been as a generalist with expertise in federal income tax returns including corporate, partnership, and individuals. She is an Enrolled Agent licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department, and a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

Donise Brown - Administration Manager

Donise joined the firm in October 1984 after relocating from Peoria, Illinois. She graduated from the Professional Secretarial School in 1986. Donise is our Firm Administrator, and she also managers our Time & Billing System and our paperless environment. She enjoys swimming, reading and gardening and spending time with her husband.

Rosemary Roberts, CPA - Accounting Manager

Rosemary Roberts joined the firm in November 2010. She began her career in 1984 and became a CPA in 1988 after graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has held positions in both the private and public sectors. She has been a generalist working with clients with accounting, payroll tax, sales tax and QuickBooks issues.

Kiah Woodard - Tax / Accounting Professional

Kiah joined Candy & Schonwald in August of 1998 after graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University with a BBA in Accounting. She has experience in federal income tax preparation with an emphasis in trusts, payroll tax preparation, sales tax preparation, financial statement compilation and QuickBooks issues.

Kovu Varghese - Tax Professional

Kovu joined the firm in August of 2007. In 2007, he graduated from University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Accounting. Kovu has experience in individual, trust, corporations, partnership and profit sharing tax preparations. He is looking forward to gaining more experience and to provide a wide variety of services for our clients.

Devin Kindred - Tax Professional & Network Administration

Devin joined the firm in 2007after he graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Accounting. Devin has experience in individual, trust, corporations, partnership and profit sharing tax preparations. He is currently preparing to sit for the CPA exam. Devin also provides and has experience with the IT in place at the firm and for our clients.

Leslie Gregory - Tax Professional

Leslie joined the firm in 2008 after graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Accounting. She is currently working towards her MBA and preparing to sit for the CPA exam this fall. Leslie is experienced in federal income tax preparation, payroll tax preparation and financial statement compilation.

Elena Munoz - Tax Professional

Elena is originally from New Caney, Texas. She graduated February 2010 from Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas with a BBA in Accounting and Minors in Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Language Arts. Elena currently attends Graduate School at The University of Texas at Arlington and she is preparing to sit for the CPA exam. She began her career with PSK LLP in Arlington, Texas, before joining Candy & Schonwald in November 2011. Elena has experience in Federal income tax preparation, payroll tax preparation, financial statement compilations, and non-profit. She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her husband.

Kathy Ozier - Administration

Kathy Ozier joined Candy & Schonwald in 2004 after many years in regional offices of national companies. She enjoys doing the best job she can to support the hard working professional staff.

KC Kier - Administration

KC has been with the firm for over 4 years. She is an administrative assistant and receptionist, with over 25 years of administrative experience in a variety of industries; accounting, real estate, financial planning and sales. KC enjoys making new acquaintances of all walks of life. She is most enthusiastic about meeting with and talking to all of our C&S clients and personnel, which makes her the perfect ‘face’ for Candy & Schonwald.