MEET THE TEAM

Rochelle KNIGHT
Accounting Manager

Hello, I'm Rochelle, a dedicated accountant here at Cleanbooks for Creatives. Nestled in the southern United States, I've honed my skills to be more than just a number cruncher over the years. At home, I'm a proud parent to three children, a spouse to one husband, and a future dog owner, all of whom add spice to my daily routine. Living in the country has allowed me to strike the perfect balance between the hustle of the city and the serenity of country life.

In my free time, you can find me immersed in the enchanting world of literature. Whether it's cozying up with a classic novel or exploring the latest biography, my love for reading knows no bounds. Beyond the realm of books, I'm an avid walker, taking advantage of the picturesque trails to rejuvenate my mind and body.

From my early days as a meticulous bookkeeper to my recent stint as a team manager, I've cultivated a skill set that ensures your financial records are accurate and a strategic asset for businesses.

I've enjoyed working with the Cleanbooks team of dedicated professionals who understand that deadlines are crucial but also in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling personal life.

my favorite things

• Personal relaxing time curled up reading a good book.

• Embarking on new hiking trails.

• The satisfying moment when numbers align seamlessly, revealing a crystal-clear financial picture.

julia loranestes
accounting manager

Hi, I’m Julia. After 20+ years in healthcare, first as a paramedic and then as a nurse, I love helping people. Helping people on their worst day was incredibly rewarding, but it became very hard after the years passed.  I wanted a job that would allow me more time with my family and, hopefully, let me tap into my nerd side a bit. Enter, bookkeeping!  

Since 2018, I've been delving into the world of finance from every angle and got my MBA in Accounting as well as certified in bookkeeping.  Since 2023, Cleanbooks has provided me with the opportunity to teach and expand my financial skills and experience. It has been a fantastic learning opportunity; I still get that same rush of adrenaline when the lightbulb goes off on a client's face and they finally understand something new about their business finances!

Oddly, my favorite activity is diving deep into a spreadsheet and teaching both clients and peers what the numbers reveal about the business and why.  

quick facts about me

• I've been to every state except Alaska, as well as nine countries across the world.

• I have four (mostly) grown children and two crazy German Shepherds... and a husband in a pear tree.

• My dream is build a home somewhere cool and rainy and rescue as many German Shepherds as my hubs can tolerate!

BREAH MURRAY
Onboarding Specialist / Bookkeeper

Hi there, I’m Breah. As a former educator and teacher trainer, I enjoy supporting others in reaching their goals. In the classroom setting this was through helping other teachers plan, organize, and dive deep into student data to make the best possible decisions and learning paths for their students. This career path was extremely fulfilling but in 2019 my husband and I welcomed our first daughter and I knew then that I was interested in a more flexible working environment.

For the past three years, Cleanbooks has provided me with the opportunity to shift my skill set from helping other educators to helping business owners better organize their finances and interpret their reports to make educated decisions in relation to their business. It has been a fantastic learning opportunity and the relief I can help business owners feel when they have clean books and understand their finances never gets old.

Some businesses that I would consider my specialty include wedding industry vendors, photographers, and event planners, as well as retail owners and construction companies. Each of these businesses has a specific tie to my past and my personal experience with these industries helps to provide me with a better understanding of you as the business owner and how your operations are run.

my favorite things

• Breakfast with friends

• Traveling with my husband and daughter

• The Fall and Winter Seasons

Lareina benros
Lead Bookkeeper

Hi, I'm Lareina! I'm based in Texas, where life revolves around family, farm life, and finding joy in the simple things. As a wife and mother, I understand the importance of creating systems that keep life running smoothly—and I bring that same mindset to my work with clients.

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including accounting, medical, dental, photography, and creative businesses. I love learning new things and gaining insight into how different businesses operate.  Working across multiple industries has given me a broad perspective and an appreciation for the unique challenges each business faces.

I enjoy helping business owners keep their books accurate, organized, and easy to understand so they can spend more time focusing on what matters most to them.

When I'm not working, you'll usually find me focused on home projects, designing and planning outdoor spaces, gardening, baking with my kids, or spending time with my family. I enjoy creating systems not just in business, but in everyday life.

my favorite things

• Building systems that make life easier

• Gardening and baking with my kids

• Spending time with my family

Faleign Garcia
Lead bookkeeper

Hello, I’m Faleign. My husband and I live in North Carolina with our two, (soon-to-be three) daughters. We have a little homestead with chickens and two pups.

I am working on a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration with a focus in HR and have a passion for bookkeeping. Before working for Cleanbooks for Creatives, I managed my husbands barbershop, launched several small businesses and maintained a substantial client base in the automotive industry. These experiences have expanded my passion for bookkeeping and client relations. I enjoy pushing myself and learning new things.

I love working with these amazing ladies and our awesome clients, all while being able to be home with my family.

my favorite things

• Reading

• Traveling

• Disney

Kerry Cruzado
Payroll & Journal ENtry Specialist
Lead Bookkeeper

Hi there, my name is Kerry Cruzado. I have been married for over 20 years and I have two children, Ryan who is a student at University of South Florida and Katelyn who is in high school. I have three cats, two of which are ragdoll sisters. I also have a cockatiel, who has been known to make himself heard on conference calls! I currently live in Florida, but was born and raised in New Jersey. I have a BA from Montclair State University, and also did a semester at the University of Begonia in Dijon, France. This sparked a travel bug and over the years I have been to eight countries in Europe, spent a month in Peru and have enjoyed traveling around the states.

Before working for Cleanbooks for Creatives, I worked at a local law firm as a bookkeeper, legal assistant and property manager for over twenty years.