Who We Are
Expert Advice. Trusted Partnership.
As a cutting-edge CPA and business consulting firm, we offer clients access to the best and brightest talent, top-quality advisory and technical expertise, and a commitment to ongoing partnership.
We have an experienced, high-integrity team with a wealth of knowledge, advanced education, and specialized experience. Our firm is well-versed in the following industries:
- Lumber and logging
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Trucking
- Retail
- Medical
- Public sector / government
- Nonprofits
With multiple locations and presence in several communities, we pride ourselves on being an asset to our valued clients.
Dave Scott
Founder
Dave Scott is the descendant of pioneer families in the Redding area, with both his father and mother’s families having settled here in 1852. The historic Diestelhorst Bridge is named after his great-great-grandfather, Gottlieb Diestelhorst, who acquired land along the Sacramento River in 1859.
Dave is a graduate of Redding area schools and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Nevada at Reno. His prior professional experience includes positions with Kafoury, Armstrong, Turner & Company in Reno, KPMG in San Francisco and Oakland, and Gandy, Scott & Company in Redding. Dave’s particular areas of interest in the firm include general business and financial consulting, as well as tax and strategic planning for his clients. He has specialized knowledge and expertise in the construction and logging industries.
He has served on a number of Boards of Directors including the Shasta Business Council, the Shasta Builders’ Exchange, the American Subcontractors’ Association, the Associated General Contractors of California, where he served twice as president, and the Grant & Resource Center of Northern California, where he served as a chairman. Dave served as a Board member and formerly Chairman of the Board of the Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County, Audit Committee Chairman of the Redding Bank of Commerce, and Chairman of the Shasta Historical Society. In the past, Dave served as a Board member of Redding Rancheria Economic Development Corporation, PlusOne Mentors, Restoration Enterprises, the Youth Violence Prevention Council, the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce and the Shasta Builders Exchange. He is a past member of Redding Sunrise Rotary, and a current member of the Redding Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge of Old Shasta and the Nor Cal Shrine Club.
Dave has also been active in a number of non-profit and civic committees including the Turtle Bay Museums and Arboretum on the River, the City of Redding Civic Center Committee, the Sacramento River Management Committee, the City of Redding Budget Oversight Committee and the City of Redding Impact Fee Committee.
Dave has been recognized for the following awards:
• 1995 Non-Profit Board Member of the Year; Association of Non-Profit Professionals
• 1995 Building Industry Citizen of the Year; Shasta Builders’ Exchange
• 1996 Distinguished Alumni Award; Shasta College
• 1997 Finance Industry Man of the Year; Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce
• 2001 Businessman of the Year; Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce
• 2008 Business of the Year; Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce
• 2009 Citizen of the Year; Redding Record Searchlight
Dave is an avid outdoorsman with particular interests of hunting, fishing and photography.
Paul Catanese
Principal
Paul is a CPA with over 40 years experience and was a partner with KPMG prior to joining DHS Advisors in 1994. He has extensive experience in corporate taxation, audits, reviews and specializes in mergers and acquisitions. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1981 and his Masters in Business Administration in 1983 from Tulane University. Paul is also an avid fly fisherman and hunter and has been a licensed guide for over 30 years.
Chris Estes
Director
Chris was born and raised in the small mountain town of Burney, CA, on a ranch that has been in the family for over 100 years. From there he moved to Chico, CA, to attend C.S.U. Chico and obtained the degree of Bachelors of Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting in 2014. Chris is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, and he gained valuable experience in accounting, tax, and audit during his five years at a respected public accounting firm in Chico. Chris moved to Redding in 2019 to be closer to family, where he joined the team of D.H. Scott & Company and eventually worked his way up to partner. He is passionate with working with clients in the industries of logging, construction, ranching and real estate.
Chris loves to spend time with his wife and their three daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and running a cattle operation with his brothers in the same mountains he grew up in.
Christina Freilich
Director
Christina became a Certified Public Accountant in December of 2013 and has gained extensive experience in providing tax, accounting, and auditing services to various types of businesses and organizations. While she specializes in working with construction contractors, she enjoys working with clients of diverse professional backgrounds, including architects, engineers, not-for-profit organizations, and more. Christina graduated from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, where she obtained a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Christy Link
Director
Christy joined D.H. Scott & Company in 2013 and in 2021 she became a partner of the firm. She grew up in Cottonwood and went to West Valley High School. From there she went on to study at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Information Systems. Upon graduation, Christy worked for the Big 4 accounting firm Ernst & Young in San Francisco. Concurrently, she studied at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana where she graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Science in Accounting. Prior to joining D.H. Scott & Company, Christy worked at EY for nine years, including two years at the Sydney, Australia office, with a focus on financial statement and IT risk audits and consulting services.
Christy returned to Redding to raise her three boys and enjoys the active lifestyle that the north state offers. Christy has a passion for yoga and chooses to opt-outside whenever possible. She enjoys backpacking, biking, snowboarding, swimming, and hiking the beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers, and trails in our area.
Donna Darwin
Senior Manager
Marc Neri
Senior Tax Manager
Marc is an accomplished tax professional, and an Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with nearly two decades of progressive experience in public accounting, specializing in corporate, partnership, and individual taxation, as well as business valuation. He has a proven track record of delivering strategic tax planning solutions, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and fostering long-term client relationships across a diverse portfolio. His core competencies include tax compliance focusing on federal and multi-state tax reporting. He is also skilled in identifying and implementing value-driven tax strategies that optimize compliance and efficiency for both businesses and individuals.
Marc holds a Master of Science in Accounting from American University and a Certificate in Financial Planning from Georgetown University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. He is an active member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents (VASEA), and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).
Outside of his professional life, Marc enjoys golfing, scuba diving, and participating in shooting sports—pursuits that reflect his focus, precision, and appreciation for lifelong learning.
Heidi Coppin
Manager
Heidi joined DHS Advisors in January 2025 and is a CPA with more than 25 years of public accounting experience. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Chico in 1989. Heidi has extensive experience in accounting and financial reporting (compilations, reviews and audits) in various industries including construction contractors, governmental and nonprofit entities. Heidi enjoys gardening, fishing, baking and spending time with her family and two dogs.
Roxann Buick
Manager
Roxann, a Shasta County native, joined DHS in 2021. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in business and accounting. Outside work, she enjoys family time with her two energetic boys and her husband, a local fire captain, cheering on her kids’ activities.
Roxanne Brock
Manager
Roxanne joined DHS Advisors in 2021. Born and raised in Redding, she enjoys working with local businesses. Roxanne graduated from UC Riverside, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Outside of work, Roxanne enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Josh Lewis
Senior Accountant
Joshua Lewis is a dedicated accountant who graduated from Chico State in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree. He began his career at DHS Advisors in August of the same year and has been a part of the team ever since. He has an enthusiasm for learning and growth that continues to guide his development at DHS Advisors. Outside of work, Joshua enjoys exploring the outdoors through backpacking trips, riding quads in the Oregon dunes, and biking the trails around Redding.
Kara Bogue
Tax & Assurance Manager
Kara Bogue joined DHS Advisors after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Chico State University in 2021. A Redding, California native, she takes pride in working with local businesses and contributing to her community. Outside of work, Kara enjoys spending time outdoors, working in her garden, fishing, and camping.
Merritt Directo
Tax & Assurance Manager
Merritt has been involved in public accounting since 2018 and became part of the DHS Advisors team in January 2022. In the first two and a half years of her career, she focused mainly on bookkeeping and payroll services. Since then, she has gained extensive experience in audits, reviews, and tax preparation. Merritt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics from Humboldt State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, often engaging in activities like fishing, hunting, and visiting the lake.
David Emmerson
Staff Accountant
David is a staff accountant with 5 years experience in public accounting and joined DHS in 2024. His experience is primarily in personal and small entity taxation, as well as payroll and sales tax. He attended the University of Southern California and Golden Gate University. Outside work, he enjoys kiteboarding and scuba diving.
Samuel Kopta
Staff Accountant
Samuel is a staff accountant and has been with DHS Advisors for two years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Oregon University in 2018. He supports DHS’s commitment to clients by assisting in Tax and Audit engagements.
Savana Semingson
Staff Accountant
Savana joined the DHS Advisors team in February 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business & Administration with a focus in Public Accounting from Southern Oregon University in September 2023. Savana has worked various bookkeeping jobs since high school and has enjoyed learning more about the tax and audit world since she was hired at DHS. Outside of work, Savana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling the world.
Joy Stander
Controller
Joy is a seasoned financial expert with over 30 years of experience managing company accounting and financial operations. Her expertise spans payroll, accounting, financial reporting, and human resources. Residing in Shingletown with her husband, Joy is excited to embrace her new role as a grandmother. Beyond her professional and family life, she enjoys playing the clarinet, saxophone, and bass clarinet with the symphony, church, and a variety of local bands.
Gracie Cockett
Admin / Office Manager
Gracie is an skilled administrative professional with over ten years of experience, specializing in public accounting. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, she has called Redding home for the past 12 years. She joined DHS Advisors in 2020 and loves being part of the team, especially getting to work closely with both colleagues and clients. Gracie enjoys the dynamic nature of public accounting and thrives in its fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. When she’s not working, you can usually find her curled up with a good book or playing board games with friends. She values organization, teamwork, and bringing a little fun into everything she does.
Misti Webster
Admin / Processing
Misti was born and raised in Redding, California. After high school, she moved to San Diego to attend the University of San Diego, where she earned a paralegal degree. Following a 10-year career in the legal field in San Diego, she returned to Redding and joined DHS in 2013 as an administrative assistant. Misti is also a certified California Notary Public. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading.
Scott E Hunt CPA/ABV
Principal
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, Fresno State University, 1983
Scott is one of the founding partners of our firm. He consults with business and individual clients in the areas of tax and estate planning. He has a wide range of accounting experience which enables him to provide relevant and timely advice and assistance to business owners with their internal accounting, periodic reporting, forecasting, and ultimately the development and implementation of succession plans. His experience in business valuation helps him guide business owners to an understanding of how the decisions they make today impact the value of their business.
Ashliegh Diehl CPA, EA
Director
Education
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 2010
Master of Science in Accounting, Taxation Specialization, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, 2011
Ashliegh has worked in public accounting since 2006 and joined our firm in 2011. She became a partner at our firm in 2020 and serves as our Chief Financial Officer. Ashleigh leads our team as Director of Tax and our firm and clients benefit from her extensive experience in individual and entity tax-related services.
“The HHH team helps our clients navigate the complexities of tax, accounting, growth, succession, and retirement. I am proud to be a part of a firm that cares deeply for our clients, our team, and our community.”
Tom Souza CPA
Director
Education
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 2016
Master of Science Business Administration, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 2017
Thomas joined Hunter, Hunter & Hunt in February of 2018. He was born and raised in Humboldt County, where he attended Arcata High School and Humboldt State University. Thomas graduated from Humboldt State University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy. To stay on track to become a CPA, Thomas went back to Humboldt State and got his Master’s Degree in Business Administration in July of 2017. Thomas passed the CPA exam in April of 2018 and became a licensed CPA in July of 2019.
In his time outside of work, he loves to play and watch all sports.
Edward A. Weaver CPA
Director
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, California State University, Sacramento, CA, 2013
Edward joined our team in January 2017. Born and raised on the North Coast, Edward spent seven years developing his craft in Sacramento and the Bay Area. In 2013, Edward graduated with Highest Honors from California State University, Sacramento where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy. He began his career in accounting at PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP. This opportunity allowed for accelerated learning and exposure to the operations and accounting intricacies of a variety of small and large businesses all over the country.
After an amazing experience at PwC, Edward returned to Humboldt County to be closer to family and enjoys providing accounting and assurance services to clients in the greater Humboldt Bay community.
Susan Moranda EA
Senior Manager
A Humboldt County native, Susan graduated from Eureka High School and attended College of the Redwoods and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She began her career as a bookkeeper in public accounting with our firm in 2006, after 18 years in the private industry sector. In 2012, Susan completed the requirements to become an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service. She is a Quickbooks Pro Advisor, proficient in Xero, and has extensive experience with payroll and sales tax matters.
Past President and current Treasurer of Humboldt County Cattlewomen, Susan enjoys participating in their numerous community events.
In her free time, Susan likes to garden, read, and hike with her dogs.
Jason Caria CPA
Senior Manager
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Accounting Emphasis, Humboldt State University, 2013
Jason began working at Hunter, Hunter & Hunt in January 2014, shortly after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Humboldt State University. He rejoined the team in August of 2014 after spending a summer with his then fiancée in Japan.
Jason enjoys many different outdoor activities, such as but not limited to biking, hiking, camping and fishing. In addition, he is an avid sports fan and enjoys following many of the local sports teams.
Liz Sandstrom
Manager, Client Services Coordinator
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Humboldt State University, 2012
Liz joined our firm in 2012 after graduating from HSU. – She took a brief hiatus in 2019 after moving back to the Bay Area to be closer to family and rejoined the firm in 2022 as a fully remote employee. She supports our tax and accounting departments and specializes in challenging clean-up projects to help get our clients back on track and focused on what they do best: running their businesses. As our Client Services Coordinator, she is focused on developing and improving client service processes.
She loves learning new technologies and baking sweet treats, and she is a little obsessed with the color green (for which we forgive her). When she’s not helping our clients, she’s either out hiking near her house in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains with her husband, or cuddling on the couch with her cats while reading Tolkien books.
Favorite quote –”He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom” – Gandalf the Grey, The Fellowship of the Ring
Hannah Shapiro CPA
Senior Accountant
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Humboldt State University
Master of Science in Business Administration, Cal Poly Humboldt, Arcata, CA, 2022
Hannah joined the Hunter, Hunter & Hunt team in December 2020 as an Accounting Intern. After graduating at the top of her class with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, she transitioned to a full-time role with the firm. She earned her Master of Business Administration at Cal Poly Humboldt in May 2022 and recently earned her CPA license in 2024.
In her free time, Hannah enjoys cycling the back roads of Humboldt and playing piano.
Hannah Ward
Front Office Manager
Education
Associate in Arts in Business, College of the Redwood and Portland Community College
When not at the office, Hannah lends her skills to her friend’s frybread venture. As an ENFJ, she channels her artistic expression into various mediums, with a particular fondness for baking and a deep love for cats. Leisure time often sees her engaging in competitive trivia and game nights with her husband, Zach, or baking cookies with her daughter, Courtland. Hannah’s dedication to motherhood and her family shines through her aspirations to raise independent, thoughtful children in a complex world. Dreaming big, she imagines running a coffee truck, “Hannie’s Homemades,” though her practical goals include providing for her family and homeschooling Courtland, aiming for a life marked by intentionality and meaningful relationships. Inspired by Maya Angelou, Hannah values the lasting impact of making others feel cherished, underscoring the importance of nurturing relationships in a fulfilling life.
Alison Bentley
Administrative Assistant
Education
Bachelor of Art Degree in History, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Master of Science in Library Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Alison Bentley joined Hunter, Hunter & Hunt in January 2021. Alison is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and first came to Humboldt County in 2003 as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member with the Humboldt County Teen Court program. She returned to Humboldt in 2018 because it is the best place on earth to call home! She enjoys spending her time at the beach, in the forest, and at home with her cats, crafts, and books.
Rachael Thacker
Director of Operations
Education
Bachelor of Art Degree in Communication, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Master of Science in Business Administration, Cal Poly Humboldt: Arcata, CA
Rachael joined Hunter, Hunter & Hunt as their Director of Operations in January 2023. She grew up working with her dad in his many business ventures and developed a love for the intricacies of running a business. She has owned and operated her own businesses, served on the board of directors for multiple nonprofits, and raised her children while working and going to school full-time. She currently serves as President of Companion Animal Foundation, a local nonprofit, and is a member of Soroptimist International of Eureka.
Rachael is passionate about learning, her favorite quote is by Barbara Sher: “You can learn new things at any time in your life if you’re willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.”
DHS Advisors is part of Platform Accounting Group, a next-gen accounting collective created to help boutique firms thrive in the 21st century.