Who We Are
Jonathan Mahrt, CPA, CFE
Partner
Jonathan earned his Master of Accountancy from the University of Montana in Missoula in 2012. Prior to entering public accounting, he worked as a Staff and Senior Accountant at Barrick Gold Corporation, where he managed general ledger accounting for multiple entities at both the regional and corporate levels.
Jonathan joined Denning, Downey, & Associates, CPAs in 2014 and has built his career helping clients navigate the financial, compliance, and accountability responsibilities associated with managing public resources. He is an active member of the Montana Society of CPAs, the AICPA, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife, Kirstin, and their two children, Myla and Jace. He stays active year-round and loves being outdoors—whether surfing on Flathead Lake in the summer, skiing in the winter, or running, lifting, and biking.
Angela Holmes
Senior Auditor
Angela brings more than ten years of experience in governmental auditing and consulting to Nexus CPA Group. Before joining the firm, she spent nearly 13 years with Denning, Downey & Associates, where she managed a wide range of audit projects and assisted clients with year-end closing and financial statement preparation.
Her prior experience as a compliance officer and escrow officer provides a strong regulatory and financial foundation, allowing her to guide clients through complex requirements with confidence. Angela is known for her thoroughness, reliability, and ability to keep projects running smoothly. She has dedicated thousands of hours to government audit and consulting work, developing deep expertise in public-sector auditing.
Outside the office, Angela enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether camping, fishing, or simply unplugging and enjoying Montana’s natural surroundings.
Maggie Scotti-Belli
Staff Auditor
Maggie’s passion for math and finance led her naturally to the accounting profession. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Montana State University and values the continuous learning and professional growth opportunities her role provides.
She is committed to delivering accurate, thorough work that supports transparency and accountability in government operations. Maggie approaches each engagement with curiosity, professionalism, and a strong dedication to quality service, taking pride in contributing to reliable outcomes for clients and the communities they serve.
Outside of work, Maggie enjoys spending time with her husband, their two dogs, and extended family, often taking advantage of opportunities to relax, stay active, and enjoy time together.
Sarilee Palmatier-Paap
Staff Auditor
Sarilee—who goes by Sari (pronounced “Sss-air-ee”)— holds both a Master’s degree from Montana State University, providing a solid academic foundation in accounting and financial analysis. Sari is currently pursuing her CPA certification and is dedicated to continuous professional growth.
Sari brings a strong commitment to accuracy, accountability, and high-quality client service, approaching her work with care and attention to detail. She values building trust with clients and works to ensure each engagement is organized, efficient, and collaborative, helping create a smooth and productive audit process.
Outside of work, she enjoys camping, paddle boarding, snowboarding, riding horses, and spending time with friends, family, and her animals.
John Warren
Staff Auditor
John is a United States Air Force veteran who served seven years on active duty as a Security Forces member in Great Falls, Montana. While originally from Florida, he considers Montana home.
After completing his military service, John earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Utah State University in December 2024. Following graduation, he, his wife, and their two dogs were excited to return to Montana, where he now serves as a Staff Auditor, supporting audit engagements through detailed analysis, collaboration, and a strong commitment to accuracy.
In his free time, John enjoys exploring the outdoors through road trips, hiking, and camping, and appreciates the opportunity to unwind while taking in Montana’s wide-open landscapes.
Jordan Bridwell, CPA
Staff Auditor
Jordan is a Kalispell native who brings both local insight and technical expertise to Nexus CPA Group. He earned his Master of Accountancy from the University of Montana in 2019 and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant the same year.
Before joining Nexus CPA Group in September 2025, Jordan gained broad experience in both public accounting and private industry. This diverse background allows him to approach engagements with a practical, well-rounded perspective, helping clients navigate financial and compliance requirements with clarity and confidence. He is dedicated to serving the Flathead Valley community with professionalism, integrity, and a client-first mindset.
Jordan is a devoted husband and father of three—two boys and a girl—and values being actively involved in both his family and the local community. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and contributing to the community he has called home his entire life.
Kaylee Bass
Staff Auditor
Kaylee joined Nexus CPA Group in October 2025. She brings experience from both public accounting and private industry, including three years performing attestation services for nonprofits, small businesses, and governmental entities, as well as a year as a finance and accounting officer.
Originally from Wyoming, Kaylee holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business Management with a consulting emphasis from the University of Wyoming. She values building strong, transparent client relationships and is committed to delivering clear, accurate work that supports accountability and informed decision-making.
Outside of work, Kaylee enjoys staying active and spending time with her two dogs, Lucy and Bennett. She appreciates maintaining a healthy balance between her professional responsibilities and personal interests.
Sarah Lamar
Audit Technician
Sarah has a background in mortgage accounting; she brings strong analytical skills and attention to detail to every engagement. Sarah supports Nexus CPA Group’s government auditing practice with precision, collaboration, and a client-focused approach.
Sarah works closely with audit team members and clients to support smooth workflows and timely completion of audit deliverables. She is known for her professional yet friendly demeanor, reliability, and commitment to contributing positively to both client relationships and internal team dynamics.
Born and raised in Montana, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three children and frequently travels for their sporting activities. She is known for her professional yet friendly demeanor and her commitment to ensuring a smooth audit process for clients and colleagues alike.
Whitnie Francom
Audit Technician
Whitnie’s background includes experience as a Consumer Loan Officer and a Mortgage Loan Officer/Processor, where she managed high-volume loan pipelines and verified complex financial data. Whitnie brings a strong focus on accuracy, organization, and integrity.
Whitnie is also a former small business owner, which strengthened her problem-solving skills, independence, and dedication to exceptional client service. She is based in Bigfork, Montana, and holds an NMLS license and is a commissioned Notary Public.
Outside of work, Whitnie enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, floating Montana’s rivers, hiking, spending time on the lake, and using her creativity as a licensed cosmetologist. She also loves attending concerts and going on new adventures with friends and family.
Christa Clark
Operations Director
Christa brings more than twenty years of administrative experience to the firm, with a background in office management, accounting, and human resources. She is known for her reliability, professionalism, and ability to keep firm operations running smoothly and efficiently.
In her role, Christa oversees recruiting, coordinates the preparation and finalization of audit reports, and manages key human resource functions. She holds associate degrees in Accounting and Psychology, equipping her with a strong foundation in financial operations as well as the human-centered aspects of managing people and processes.
Born and raised in the Flathead Valley, Christa enjoys spending time with her husband and their three boys. Outside the office, she can often be found glamping, boating, and exploring Montana’s hiking trails.
Jennifer Castillo
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer brings six years of administrative experience to the firm and plays a key role in supporting smooth and efficient office operations. She excels in organization, communication, and providing dependable administrative support.
She holds a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from Carrington College and has continued to build her knowledge through accounting coursework at Flathead Valley Community College. Jennifer enjoys the work she does and is committed to ongoing professional growth alongside the firm, continually building her skills to better support the team and contribute to efficient, high-quality operations.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her children in their activities, and taking advantage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities the area has to offer.