Meet our Team
Each one of our seasoned professionals is a vital part of your financial team. A comprehensive retirement plan takes financial professionals that are experienced in all aspects of financial planning including Taxes, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Income Planning, Risk Management and Insurance. One individual cannot be an expert in all areas that is why Senior Tax Advisory Group has assembled a team of experts in their respective fields. That team is available to you to serve your needs.
Leadership Team
Darian Andreson
Founder & President, Senior Tax Advisory Group
Darian Andreson founded Senior Tax Advisory Group with a clear purpose: to change lives by helping people retire with clarity, confidence, and care. A U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and values-driven leader, Darian’s journey has taken him from building national sales teams to launching his own financial practice—always guided by faith, family, and a commitment to doing what’s right.
Since 1998, he’s grown STAG into a trusted retirement planning firm known for its integrity, innovation, and team culture. For Darian, success isn’t just about growth—it’s about impact. He’s proudest of the strong, dedicated team that shares in the company’s mission and has helped turn his dream into a lasting legacy.
April Andreson
Vice President, Senior Tax Advisory Group
All of us at Senior Tax Advisory Group know that without April the office would not run as smoothly as it does. In 2005 Darian asked April if she would help during tax season; just on a part-time basis, he said. She has been here ever since.
April has done every job in the office and is invaluable to each and every one of us. She enjoys being behind the scenes taking care of the staff. Her passion is in helping people and it is for this reason that she has been here since the 2005 tax season. When asked why she enjoys coming in every day she says “It’s due to the life lessons I have learned from our clients and the relationships that we have cultivated over the years”.
Advisory Team
Kathy Larouere
Financial Advisor, Senior Tax Advisory Group
As Partner and head of Retirement Planning at Senior Tax Advisory Group, Kathy combines deep financial expertise with a genuine heart for service. She’s been instrumental in the company’s growth and in shaping its proprietary retirement process—helping clients not only retire, but stay retired with confidence.
Known for her listening skills, leadership, and values-driven approach, Kathy finds inspiration in her family, her faith, and the goal of making a meaningful impact. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling (especially to National Parks), reading, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones.
Her advice to future generations? Lead with your heart—and never stop dreaming.
Al DiPentino
Advisor, Senior Tax Advisory Group
albertd@springstax.com
Albert’s career path has taken him through a wide range of roles—from engineer and martial arts instructor to postal worker, performer, and truck driver. What brought him to Senior Tax Advisory Group? A desire to be closer to his family and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
He enjoys getting to know clients and helping them plan for a retirement they can truly enjoy. Albert is also working toward additional certifications as he grows into a larger advisory role. At his core, he’s driven by connection, service, and the importance of family—values that guide everything he does.
Tax Team
Steve Ford
Tax Team Lead, Senior Tax Advisory Group
stevef@springstax.com
With a background that spans accounting, military service, and technology, Steve brings a rare blend of precision, leadership, and adaptability to his role. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force and launching his own tax practice, he joined Senior Tax Advisory Group in 2012—originally as a seasonal team member, but quickly became a cornerstone of the firm.
As Tax Team Lead, Steve guides the department with a focus on accuracy, quality, and mentoring others. He’s known for his deep tax knowledge, sharp attention to detail, and calm, patient presence.
Outside the office, Steve is passionate about travel and enjoys exploring historical sites and global cultures. He values integrity, humility, and lifelong learning—and is committed to helping both clients and the company move confidently into the future.
Betty Kwist
Tax Specialist, Senior Tax Advisory Group
After 48 years as a registered nurse, Betty pursued her lifelong goal of becoming a tax professional. Over 13 years with Senior Tax Advisory Group, she’s built deep expertise in everything from basic returns to complex business and payroll tax filings. Known for her precision and client rapport, Betty takes pride in the trust clients place in her year after year. A veteran and proud American, she volunteers with her political party and stays active in the gym, church, and Boy Scouts with her grandsons. Her philosophy? Never give up—and always give a little extra.
Jenifer Gonder, EA
Tax Professional, Senior Tax Advisory Group
Jenifer Gonder is a licensed Enrolled Agent (EA) and Tax Professional at Senior Tax Advisory Group. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Regis University and brings extensive experience in both the mortgage and tax industries.
After eight years in tax preparation, she further specialized by earning her EA designation and working in tax resolution, helping clients navigate complex IRS matters. Jenifer enjoys helping clients better understand their tax situations and providing thoughtful, detail-focused support.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her three cats.
Customer Service Representatives
Rona Whiting
Director of New Business, Senior Tax Advisory Group
rona@springstax.com
Rona was born in Southern California and moved to Colorado Springs almost 40 years ago. She graduated from Doherty High School and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Rona has worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years. She started in property-casualty and is now in the financial arena currently holding licenses for P&C, Life and Health Insurance. She came to Senior Tax Advisory Group through what can only be defined as “Divine” intervention and is proud to say that Senior Tax is only her second employer.
Kaitlyn Zong
Client Services, Processing Specialist, Senior Tax Advisory Group
kaitlyn@springstax.com
Kaitlyn thrives in fast-paced environments where learning and growth are constant. Known for her ability to adapt quickly and take on new challenges, she’s focused on mastering the operational details that drive efficiency at Senior Tax Advisory Group. Her long-term goal is to lead a team and build a culture of growth and shared success. Off the clock, she brings the same team-first mindset to the kickball field. Kaitlyn’s guiding philosophy: “Seek understanding over certainty—because growth begins with curiosity.”
Sharon Crutchfield
Office Manager, Senior Tax Advisory Group
sharon@springstax.com
Sharon joined our team in 2013. She has over 25 years’ experience in financial and management. Her diversity has established her as an invaluable asset to our team. She is driven by traditional values, a strong work ethic, and a heart of gold. Creativity and flexibility are some of her strongest attributes and have been the backbone of her success here at Senior Tax. Her adeptness is vast and she does everything from front desk, marketing, CSR, to database management. Sharon enjoys spending her free time brainstorming new ideas and concepts and being with family.
Front Office
Mike Whiting
Tax Administrator, Senior Tax Advisory Group
mikew@springstax.com
Mike’s path to Senior Tax Advisory Group includes firefighting, retail management, and even dance competitions as a proud “Dance Dad.” With decades of experience in service and operations, he now plays a key behind-the-scenes role as Tax Administrator—supporting the tax team and helping the office run smoothly.
Known for his calm presence and versatility, Mike thrives in an environment where teamwork and growth are encouraged. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, traveling with his family, all things Disney, and cheering on Alabama football. Above all, Mike values faith, integrity, and always giving his best—with just a little extra.
Margie Ainsworth
Client Services Coordinator, Senior Tax Advisory Group
With 10 years in personal and commercial insurance, Margie brings a wealth of client-focused experience to Senior Tax Advisory Group. She’s passionate about customer service and enjoys connecting with clients both on the phone and in person. What she loves most about her role is working alongside a great team while supporting the people we serve. Outside the office, Margie enjoys camping, fishing, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family—especially her two grandkids. For her, family is everything, and her personal motto is to never stop learning.
Senior Tax Advisory Group Mascot
Oliver “Ollie”
Ollie is our most valuable pup! He has been hangin’ out since 2022. As a working dog, his duties include greeting clients, calming tax frazzled nerves, chasing squeaky toys, and vacuuming. When you visit you might be greeted with a great big “Ollie” smile, or perhaps you will receive “Ollie’s” escort service to the office your appointment will be in (yes, he is a true Australian Shepherd), or you may even hear his very own “I Missed You!” and am overjoyed to see you again greeting!