Work Hard & Have Fun

What is Sonder?

Sonder: (n.) This is the profound realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

To us, it is much simpler. Sonder is the realization that everyone has a unique story, and those stories influence your journey.

This realization drives how we approach every day. We prioritize learning your story so we can help you achieve your desired success. We take a genuine approach to building relationships which supports mutual growth and resilience for whatever comes your way. This centers us on our commitment to empathy, trust and understanding. All of this translates to a more human experience unique to you and your family's requirements.

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Our Culture

The culture of Sonder CPA is our emotional lifeline. It’s that unseen force that guides us and influences key interactions between all of us and the clients that we serve.  We strive to provide an environment where our employees can thrive and in turn energize our clients. We Energize through:

  • Tax season happy hours
  • Summer team fun events
  • Halloween costume contests
  • Firm Christmas parties
  • Tax deadline celebrations
  • Volunteering at community events
  • …and more!

How We Work

We Serve_Icon_Sonder

WE SERVE

With Loyalty and
Pride

We Inform_Icon_Sonder

WE INFORM

With Foresight and Composure

We Lead_Icon_Sonder

WE LEAD

With Ambition and Direction

We Energize_Sonder

WE ENERGIZE

With Teamwork and Positivity

Meet Your Team

Adam - November 2024

ADAM HOLKA

Director of Operations

Adam Holka, MBA

Director of Operations

Education

Elmhurst University

  • Master of Business Administration

 Aurora University

  • Bachelor of Science in Finance

Membership

CPA Firm Management Association


Boards & Position

CPAFMA MI Chapter – Vice President
Leadership Grand Rapids (’25)


About Adam

When I'm not spending time with my wife Lisa and our sons Wesley and Calvin, you can find me at the golf course or in the weight room.

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AMBER KALUDIS

Senior Accountant

Amber Kaludis

Senior Accountant

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Accountancy
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


About Amber

I'm happiest when I am surrounded by family and I enjoy spending time doing anything outdoors. You can find me out on a walk, at the dog beach, browsing a local farmers market, or golfing.

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ANGELA SIKKEMA

Director of First Impressions

Angela Sikkema

Director of First Impressions

Education

Calvin University

  • Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy


About Angela

In my free time I love being outdoors and near water, whether it is at a pool or on a boat on the lake. I love spending time with my family and friends, but I am most passionate about raising my two beautiful children.

Austin - November 2024

AUSTIN ROBERTS, CPA

Senior Accountant

Austin Roberts, CPA

Senior Accountant

Education

Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration


Memberships

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce


About Austin

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors whether it's relaxing at the lake or heading north to snowmobile.

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BRIAN FURNESS, CPA

Manager

Brian Furness, CPA

Manager

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Accountancy

Cornerstone University

  • Bachelor of Business Management


Membership

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


About Brian

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer with friends, and staying active outside farming with my father.

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COLBY WARD

Operations Manager

Colby Ward

Operations Manager

Education

Western Michigan University

  • Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Sciences
    • Spanish Minor


About Colby

When I'm not digging in my garden, you can find me playing beach volleyball or pickleball, exploring local trails, or having a bonfire with my family. In the winter months I enjoy doing DIY home projects, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards.

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CONNER PITSCH

Operations Associate

Conner Pitsch

Operations Associate

Education

Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance


About Conner

Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports such as: basketball, softball, and golf. I also enjoy playing board games, and spending quality time with friends and family.

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CORINNE PAGEL, CPA

Senior Manager

Corinne Pagel, CPA

Senior Manager

Education

Marquette University

  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting


Membership

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


About Corinne

I enjoy reading, knitting, traveling, and playing pickleball.

Danielle - November 2024

DANIELLE NAUTA, CPA

Senior Accountant

Danielle Nauta, CPA

Senior Accountant

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Accountancy

Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


Memberships

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


Boards & Position

Early Bird Books - Board Member


About Danielle

When the weather is nice, I put down my knitting needles to go kayaking, camping, and hiking with my husband Ben.

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DENICE PAVEY, CPA

Partner

Denice Pavey, CPA

Partner

Education

Michigan State University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting


Memberships

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


Boards & Position

Cascade Community Foundation - Board of Directors


About Denice

I enjoy trying new things/experiences and traveling to new places.

Jacob - November 2024

JACOB HUFNAGEL

Staff Accountant

Jacob Hufnagel

Staff Accountant

Education

Aquinas College

  • Bachelor of Professional Accountancy


About Jacob

Outside of work I stay active with weight training, spending time outdoors hunting and hiking, as well as being out on the golf course. Besides those activities I enjoy time with family and playing cards.

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JARRED RILEY, CPA

Senior Accountant

Jarred Riley, CPA

Senior Accountant

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


About Jarred

Outside of work, you'll most likely find me on the golf course, on the water, watching sports, or spending time with family and friends.

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JONATHAN BULMER

Intern

Jonathan Bulmer

Intern

Education

Davenport University

  • Masters in Business Administration in Finance (2026)
  • Masters in Accountancy
  • Bachelors in Business Administration in Accounting


About Jonathan

Outside of work, you can find me on the tennis court, running, playing board games or spending time with friends and family.

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KATIE COSTELLO

Social Media Coordinator

Katie Costello

Social Media Coodinator

Education

Michigan State University

  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics (2025)
    • Minors in Health Promotion and Business


About Katie

Outside of work and school you can catch me at all MSU sporting events, listening to country music, or hanging out with my friends and family.

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KATHERINE CHRISTIAN

Staff Accountant

Katherine Christian

Staff Accountant

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Accountancy
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


About Katherine

When I'm not spending time with my family, you can find me crocheting, doing puzzles, at the gym, and participating in church events.

Katie - September 2024

KATIE MADISON, CPA

Manager

Katie Madison, CPA

Manager

Education

Davenport University

  • Master of Business Administration

Drew University

  • Bachelor of Arts


Memberships

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
Forest Hills Business Association

Boards & Position

Eastminster Presbyterian Church - Clerk
Genesis Waters - Project Advisory Team Member
Heart Nature Giving - Treasurer


About Katie

Outside of work, you will most likely find me in an art class: from glass blowing to flower arranging.

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KEEGAN GREENE

Intern

Keegan Greene

Intern

Education

Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (2024)


Boards & Position

GVSU Men's Lacrosse Team - President


About Keegan

When I'm not playing lacrosse, you can find me outside playing yard games, working on DIY projects, or in the gym.

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LAUREEN ROMAN

Senior Accountant

Laureen Roman

Senior Accountant

Experience

20+ year of Accounting & Tax Services


About Laureen

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to attend music concerts, travel, go boating, and go to car shows with my husband.

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LINDA DUHON

Payroll Manager

Linda Duhon

Payroll Manager

Education

Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


About Linda

My husband, Duane and I enjoy spending time with our kids and grandkids.

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LOGAN VALIQUETTE

Staff Accountant

Logan Valiquette

Staff Accountant

Education


Grand Valley State University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
  • Management minor


About Logan

Outside of work I enjoy golfing, training Jiu-Jitsu, playing video games, expanding my culinary techniques, and watching an array of sports. When I’m not doing any of those, I am spending time with friends and loved ones.

Matthew - November 2024

MATTHEW SULKANEN

Staff Accountant

Matthew Sulkanen

Staff Accountant

Education

Aquinas College

  • Bachelor of Professional Accountancy
    • Economics Minor


About Matthew

Outside of work, you can find me on the golf course, attending country music events, and spending time with friends and family.

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NOAH GRIMES

Staff Accountant

Noah Grimes

Staff Accountant

Education

Grand Valley State University

  • Master of Accountancy (2023)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting


About Noah

Outside of work, I like to exercise, watch movies, or be with my family and friends.

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PATRICK PATTON, CPA

Principal

Patrick Patton, CPA

Principal

Education

University of Michigan

  • Master of Business Administration

Michigan State University

  • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting


Memberships

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


About Patrick

Outside of work I enjoy reading, cooking, and keeping up with my nine grandchildren.

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RON KALEY, CPA

Partner

Ron Kaley, CPA

Partner

Education

Western Michigan University

  • Master of Business Administration

Aquinas College

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration


Memberships

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce


Boards & Position

Hanger Park West Homeowners Association - Board Member


About Ron

In my free time, when I'm not modifying my car, I am outside enjoying the "Great Outdoors" hiking in our local state or county parks or working in the yard. I am happiest when family visits for a cookout, we swim, sample my latest grilling artistry and play cards.

R. Thomas Renner CPA_Sonder CPA

THOMAS RENNER, CPA

Partner

R. Thomas Renner, CPA

Partner

Education

Michigan State University

  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Arts with a major in Accounting, with Honors


Memberships

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants


Boards & Position

Ada Business Association - Board President
Storehouse - Board Member
West Michigan Spartans - Board Member
Leadership Grand Rapids (’20)


About Thomas

I enjoy spending time on Gun Lake with my wife Amy and our three kids. When the lake freezes over, I like to head out west to go snowboarding.