THE PARTNERS
Michael D. Aaronson, CPA, MPA
Founding Partner
Michael founded Michael D. Aaronson and Associates in 1983; a CPA for over 35 years, he graduated from the University of Rhode Island and has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He was co-founder of the Support Center of Rhode Island and three-time national president of Accountants for the Public Interest. Michael has served on over 20 nonprofit boards of directors; currently he serves on four.
Adam Diaz, CPA
Managing Partner
Adam joined the firm in 2000 and became a partner in 2006. Adam is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and worked as an accountant at an international bank for more than six years. He co-manages the non-profit portion of ALSD’s Balancing Act Bookkeeping division and specializes in tax planning and preparation for individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations, as well as financial reporting for non-profit organizations. Adam is proficient in Spanish.
THE PRINCIPALS
Denise M. Lavoie, CPA, MST, CFP™
Principal
Denise joined the firm in 1991 and became a partner in 1998. She became Managing Partner on January 1, 2009. Denise is a graduate of Bryant College, where she went on to earn a Master’s of Science in Taxation. She has worked in public accounting for more than twenty five years, specializing in the preparation of personal and corporate tax returns, tax-exempt organizations, and personal financial planning.
Richard Streitfeld, CPA
Principal
Rich joined the firm in 1992 and was a partner for over 25 years. He loves working with mission-driven businesses and non-profits on their taxes, accounting and planning. A practicing Buddhist, he lived in and directed a major meditation center. Rich has a degree in political science and is a community activist. Currently the Treasurer of RI Coalition Against Gun Violence, Rich has served on the boards of the Economic Progress Institute, Providence Zen Center and Second Story Theatre. He is a long time mentor with Social Enterprise Greenhouse.
ACCOUNTING AND TAX STAFF
Danuta Mead
ALSD and Balancing Act Bookkeeping Manager
Danuta joined the firm in 2009. She brought with her over 30 years of accounting experience from private sector, working as a controller for manufacturing company, to managing her own bookkeeping business. She divides her time between managing the firm, Balancing Act Bookkeeping, and providing accounting services to clients. With her extensive experience and education in computer programming specializing in accounting software, she provides support to ALSD staff and clients in various accounting software applications. She is fluent communicator in Polish, German and English.
Mike DeAngelis
Tax Preparation Services
Mike brings over 15 years of financial experience to his tax planning and tax preparation services at ALSD, where he was formerly a principal and directed the firm’s bookkeeping and controllership divisions. Mr. DeAngelis now serves as CFO of Bountiful Farms Inc., a vertically integrated cannabis company in Massachusetts, and is a managing member of a commercial lending company.
Odalis Feliz
Bookkeeper/Admin Support
Odalis joined the firm in 2024. Odalis graduated from Rhode Island College in 2022. Prior to joining ALSD, she worked as a staff accountant for a nonprofit organization.
Helen Goeller
Bookkeeper, Balancing Act
Helen joined the firm in October, 2012. She is a graduate of Colby College. Prior to joining ALSD, she was a founder and partner in an advertising business.
Tamara Kaplan
Bookkeeper, Balancing Act
Tamara joined the firm in 2020 after twenty years in the non-profit arts sector. Tamara is a studio artist and educator with a love for numbers and solving problems. She learned bookkeeping on the job with wonderful mentors who supported her growth. She specializes in supporting the capacity of small nonprofits and making financial education less daunting for those new to the work.
Erick Pena
Bookkeeper/Admin Support
Erick joined the firm in 2024. He graduated from Rhode Island College. Before joining the firm, he worked as an accountant for a non-profit.
Sharie Sparrow
Bookkeeper, Balancing Act
Sharie comes to ALSD with over 30 years of accounting experience. She has worked for small business owners and is one herself. Her interests include traveling, entertaining, gardening and crafting. Sharie’s mission is to provide her clients complete and accurate accounting.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Linda Peterson
Administrator
Linda brought her people skills to the front desk at ALSD in 2007 after working in retail, advertising, marketing and costume design. She has a degree in fine arts, credits towards her MBA, a painting studio and an ever growing perennial garden.