About SMB
At SMB, we hold our clients and their needs at the center of everything we do. We aim to be a resource and an expert partner that can help our clients make good business decisions. We also pride ourselves on creating a culture our employees love and a place they enjoy working. Our services span across individual and business tax income preparation, monthly accounting, and specialized audit needs that ultimately allow our clients to focus on what they do best – running a business.
Meet Our Team
Jacob Sanders
Managing Partner
Jacob Sanders, CPA
Managing Partner
Jake is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Sanders, Myers & Blackwell CPAs, LLP. With two decades of public accounting experience, Jake brings deep technical knowledge and a big-picture mindset to every engagement. He’s widely recognized as an expert in complex tax incentive strategies, including Historic and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, like-kind exchanges, and opportunity zone investments.
Jake holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Administrative Management and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University. He is an active member of the AICPA and is known among clients and colleagues for his thoughtful approach, strategic insight, and steady leadership.
Outside of the office, Jake’s curious nature and love of systems extend to his personal life—he’s a self-proclaimed Lego nerd, a longtime Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holder, and enjoys camping trips with his wife, Catherine, and their dogs. One of his favorite mottos says it best: “If all you see is what you see, then you fail to see all there is to be seen.”
Chris Myers
Partner
Chris Myers, CPA
Partner
Chris is a Partner and co-founder of Sanders, Myers & Blackwell CPAs, LLP, bringing more than 15 years of public accounting experience and a steady commitment to helping clients find clarity in their financials. His areas of specialty include nonprofit organizations, audit and attestation services, and low-income government audits. He’s also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor®, supporting clients in building streamlined, effective financial systems that work for the long term.
Chris earned both his Bachelor’s and Master of Accountancy degrees from Missouri State University and is a member of the AICPA. He’s also a former President of the CCCC Sertoma Club and a proud Veteran of the Missouri Air National Guard, where he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Clients value Chris for his technical expertise, calm professionalism, and ability to guide them through even the most complex reporting requirements. Around the office, his blend of discipline and approachability makes him someone the team—and our clients—are always glad to have in their corner.
Matthew Blackwell
Partner
Matthew Blackwell, CPA
Partner
Matthew is a Partner and co-founder of Sanders, Myers & Blackwell CPAs, LLP. With nearly 15 years of experience in public accounting, he brings a steady, thoughtful approach to complex financial matters—especially in the areas of low-income housing audits, cost certifications for historic and affordable housing projects, nonprofit audits, and individual and corporate taxation.
A proud Missouri State University graduate, Matt holds a Master of Accountancy and is an active member of the AICPA. Clients and colleagues alike value his calm presence, practical insight, and ability to break down complicated issues with clarity.
Around the office, Matt is known not only for his deep expertise, but also for taking the good-natured teasing about his rural roots in stride. Whether guiding clients or keeping his cool during a spirited team discussion, Matt is someone you can count on—for the long haul.
Catherine Sanders
Firm Administrator
Catherine Sanders, Firm Administrator
Catherine is the Firm Administrator at Sanders, Myers & Blackwell CPAs, LLP, also known as the maestro behind the scenes, ensuring that our day-to-day operations are running smoothly and that our personnel have everything they need to continue providing top-notch care for our clients. That level of care is something that comes naturally to Catherine, with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and an Associate of Science in Nursing, and she has a unique ability to anticipate the needs of the office and stays one step ahead of us all.
While she doesn’t have direct client responsibilities, Catherine is a crucial part of ensuring our work is done efficiently and oversees many operations responsibilities, including our marketing efforts. In her free time, Catherine loves to travel and spend time with her family and dogs.
Robbie Lear
Robbie Lear
To know Robbie is to love Robbie – everyone agrees! Robbie has worked in both private and public accounting since 1980. Robbie graduated from Sauk Valley College in Sterling, Illinois with an Associate in Applied Science for Accounting. She provides a variety of services to the firm including preparation of payroll and payroll taxes, sales and use taxes, monthly accounting, and financial statements.
Julie Gaines
Julie Gaines, CPB
Julie brings over 30 years of private and public accounting experience and serves as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor® to support clients in navigating the small business accounting software. Julie is recognized as a Certified Public Bookkeeper, which she utilizes to assist clients of all sizes in maintaining accurate accounting records, and a member of the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). Julie graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College, Magna Cum Laude, in December of 2013 with an Associate in Applied Science & Accounting. Julie keeps an eye on the future and growth, living by the motto “Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.”
Bradley Vass
CPA
Bradley Vass, CPA
Brad joined SMB CPAs in February 2021 as a CPA. He’s always known accounting was his passion and began balancing all deposits and accounts receivable at his first job, solidifying his path from that point forward. Brad’s areas of expertise are wide, although his areas of specialty include Trusts and Estates. He’s an AICPA. With over 20 years of experience, Brad is a great asset to SMB and our clients. He holds a Master of Accountancy from Missouri State University. One of Brad’s favorite quotes is “Time is the fire in which we burn”, and he’s not embarrassed to admit he still loves to play Magic The Gathering.
Nick Pyatt
CPA
Nick Pyatt, CPA
Nick Pyatt joined SMB in November 2021 and is a lover of the numbers and analytics behind accounting. He holds an MBA with an emphasis in Accounting, a BS in Accounting, and a BS in International Business. He’s a QuickBooks ProAdvisor with several years of management experience, which is a huge asset to SMB and our clients. We can always count on Nick to dress up for Halloween, and to share fun stories about his adorable son.
Maxwell Niemeyer
CPA
Maxwell Niemeyer, CPA
Maxwell has been with SMB since 2021, joining as an intern and then becoming full-time in January 2023. Maxwell graduated from Drury University Summa Cum Laude in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Drury University with majors in Accounting and Finance. He’s a member of the AICPA, and his areas of specialty include MDHC and other financial statement audits, LIHTC Cost Certifications, monthly bookkeeping, and lots of in-between. Maxwell’s ‘just go with the flow’ motto adds a calm presence to our office. One fun fact about Maxwell is he’s a big car enthusiast, loving all things cars and anything to do with cars and racing.
Joel Barrientos
CPA
Joel Barrientos, CPA
Joel knew he was destined for a career in accounting when he was 17 and began keeping track of his father’s small business expenses. Joining SMB in 2022 as an intern, Joel earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy, both from Missouri State University. Joel believes there’s a lesson to learn in everything – you learn from the experience and apply it when needed. Outside of work, you can catch Joel bowling. With a current bowling average of 200, he’s still striving for his first perfect 300 game.
Sam Bass
Sam Bass
Sam Bass joined SMB CPAs in July 2024 as a Staff Accountant, bringing an impressive academic background and a fresh perspective to the firm. With a Master of Accountancy from Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University, Sam’s expertise is both deep and diverse. His passion for accounting began in high school, where he discovered a fascination with the balance of debits and credits—a harmony he found “so cool.”
After 15 years of teaching, Sam is excited to bring his experience into a client-facing role at SMB. Known for his approachable demeanor and commitment to quality, he appreciates being part of such a kind and knowledgeable team. Outside of work, Sam is an avid gamer who enjoys PC games and never turns down a good board or card game with friends. A Springfield native, Sam also became the youngest Eagle Scout in his hometown at age 13, a testament to his drive and dedication.
Michelle Ransom
Michelle Ransom
Michelle joined SMB CPAs as a Paraprofessional in July 2024, bringing her enthusiasm for numbers and detail-oriented skills to the team. She holds an Associate Degree in Business with a focus on Accounting from OTC and is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Known for her positive outlook, Michelle lives by the motto, “No matter what, be kind to others.” She’s excited about the collaborative environment at SMB and the chance to take on challenging work that allows her to grow. When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys reading, playing games on her phone, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Moriah Clapp
Moriah Clapp
A recent Missouri State University graduate with a degree in Accounting, Moriah joined SMB as an intern in 2023 and was promoted to Staff Accountant in 2024. Moriah works on a little bit of everything each day – tax returns, monthly bookkeeping, assisting in historical cost certifications, audits, and anything else needed.
Her favorite motto to live by is ‘We have tomorrows for a reason’, reflective of Moriah’s upbeat attitude and ability to find the good in everything. One notable thing about Moriah is she formerly worked as an orthodontic assistant for four years before returning to school to pursue Accounting. Her fun facts surrounding teeth and knowledge of things outside of Accounting keep us on our toes.
Pamela Gentry
Pamela Gentry, Reception
Pamela officially joined SMB in October 2023 and you know from the minute you meet her she’s full of life and doesn’t know a stranger. Her favorite thing about working at SMB is the environment, attention to customer service, and the fact that we care a lot about getting work done, but we know the importance of having a bit of fun, too.
Pamela can often be spotted wearing her favorite color, purple, and spending as much time outside as possible, or working on creative projects.
Cade Brundage
Intern
Cade Brundage, Intern
Cade, an intern with SMB CPAs, joined the team in January 2024 and returned in July to continue gaining hands-on experience. Currently completing his bachelor’s in Accounting and planning to pursue his master’s, Cade brings enthusiasm and a natural affinity for numbers to his role. A student member of both MOCPA and AICPA, he’s eager to deepen his knowledge in the field, especially through the diverse work SMB offers.
Inspired by his first accounting class, Cade has always had a love for numbers and organization. His favorite motto, “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you” by Walt Whitman, reflects his positive approach to both work and life.
Outside the office, you’ll find Cade enjoying a game of disc golf or planning his goal to visit all the National Parks. Fun fact: he recently discovered that Africa is the only continent spanning all four hemispheres!
Clemmie Taylor
Intern
Clemmie Taylor, Intern
Clemmie is a Junior at Missouri State University, majoring in Accounting with a minor in Economics. She’s an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, where she’s strengthening her knowledge and building professional connections. During her time at SMB, Clemmie is excited to contribute to meaningful work and learn from experienced professionals in the field.
Outside of work and classes, you’ll often find her playing pickleball or spending time with her friends and family. Her friends say she also has a hidden talent for spot-on impressions, and we can’t wait to hear them. Her favorite motto, “You never know until you try,” perfectly captures her curiosity and drive.
Alaina Viera
Intern
Alaina Viera, Intern
Alaina is currently a senior at Missouri State University, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Accounting with plans to earn her master’s in Accountancy shortly after. She was inspired to pursue this path after shadowing her mom—an accountant—and discovering that accounting runs deep in her family’s history, all the way back to Germany.
Alaina is excited to explore both tax and audit work during her time at SMB. She’s especially looking forward to learning from passionate professionals and experiencing the hands-on side of how it all works.
Outside of work and school, you’ll often find Alaina crafting—whether it’s crocheting, bracelet making, or her latest obsession, junk journaling. She also loves kayaking and proudly claims she’s never flipped a kayak during her many float trips across Missouri and even in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Her favorite motto? “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
Joshua Burgess
Intern
Joshua Burgess, Intern
Joshua is an Accounting intern at SMB and a Junior at Missouri State University. He earned his Associate of Arts in General Studies from MSU-West Plains, graduating with both his high school diploma and associate’s degree at age 18. Inspired by his very first accounting class, Joshua is eager to deepen his understanding of tax processes and learn from experienced professionals during his time with the firm.
When he’s not working or studying, Joshua is usually gaming, spending time with friends, or reflecting on his journey from student to esports competitor — he played JUCO esports and reached the national championship three times!
One of his favorite quotes is from Thomas Edison: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” a sentiment that fits his ambitious approach to learning and growth.
Owen Woodman
Intern
Owen Woodman, Intern
Owen is a Junior at Missouri State University majoring in Accounting. His early interest in the field started in high school, where he found a surprising connection with his accounting classes. That early spark led him to pursue a career path that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Through his internship at SMB, Owen is excited to learn how accounting works in the real world, and gain firsthand experience from seasoned professionals. Outside of work and school, you’ll likely find him thrifting, listening to music, reading, or catching up on his favorite true crime podcasts. One fun fact? Owen recently discovered that Donald Glover and Childish Gambino are the same person — and it blew his mind. Another? He has a self-proclaimed “evil fraternal twin.”
His favorite motto, “Enjoy the simple things,” is a reminder he carries with him daily.