Our Team

We’re a team of experienced professionals dedicated to helping you make confident financial decisions. From bookkeeping to business strategy, we’re here to support your goals with care and expertise.

Kyle Spiewak, CPA

Kyle is the entrepreneurial founder of Torrey Pines Advisors & Accountants LLP. A seasoned tax and accounting specialist, he offers deep expertise in financial statements, capital formation, small-cap finance, strategic direction, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and business planning.

Kyle began his professional journey at a boutique investment banking firm in San Diego before moving into public accounting with Deloitte, one of the Big Four firms. At Deloitte, he built a strong foundation in corporate and partnership tax, gaining valuable experience in complex tax strategy and compliance for a diverse range of clients.

Today, Kyle leads the firm with a focus on thoughtful growth and exceptional service. Outside the office, he enjoys time in the mountains with his wife Katie, their four children—Taylor, Zac, Matthew, and Caleb — and their golden retrievers, Honey and Ginger. When time allows, he loves escaping to the beach for a spontaneous surf session.

Kyle Spiewak

Founder | CPA | MAFM | REALTOR®

Ericka McAbee

Ericka McAbee brings over 15 years of leadership experience across operations, team development, and client service. As Chief Operating Officer, she manages the day-to-day functions of the firm, overseeing internal workflows, HR and hiring, client engagement, and process improvement. Her leadership is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to both team culture and client success. With a background spanning the restaurant, retail, and real estate industries, Ericka  serves Luxe with a passion for strategic execution and people-first operations. She holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Biola University and is also a licensed REALTOR® in California.

Originally from Huntington Beach, Ericka still calls the area home. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active with her husband and three children – spending most weekends cheering on her kids’ sports or soaking up the California sunshine by the pool or at the beach. She loves to travel and play games with her family, and when time allows, she winds down with a great book and homemade latte in hand!

Ericka McAbee

Chief Operating Officer

Lari Brown

Lari plays a key role in managing the day-to-day office operations at the firm, supporting smooth internal workflows and client-facing touchpoints with care and consistency. Raised in Mammoth before settling in Bishop over two decades ago, she has been an integral part of the team for over 20 years. Off the clock, she enjoys family time with her husband, children, and two beautiful grandchildren.

Lari Brown

Office Manager

Elizabeth Monahan, CPA

Elizabeth brings over 35 years of accounting experience and has been a licensed CPA since 2002. Originally from Montana, she earned her B.S. in Accounting from Cal State Northridge and spent many years living in Mammoth Lakes where she raised her family and served the local community. Now based back in Montana, Elizabeth continues to lead with extensive technical knowledge in her role as Senior Tax Manager. She specializes in helping clients navigate complex tax matters with clarity and confidence. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities year-round—especially skiing, hiking, camping, and quad riding.

Elizabeth Monahan

Senior Tax Manager

Bri Monahan

Bri Monahan brings over ten years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, steadily growing into her role as Tax Manager through a strong work ethic, curiosity, and dedication to her craft. Since joining the firm, she has deepened her technical expertise in tax preparation and planning, moving from hands-on bookkeeping to leading tax engagements with care and confidence. Known for her thoughtful approach and attention to detail, Bri is genuinely invested in her clients’ success – something that comes through in every interaction.

She holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, joking often that accounting is in her DNA having been raised by two CPAs. Originally from Mammoth Lakes and now residing in Montana, Bri enjoys spending time outdoors and camping with her four dogs—Marty, Miya, Mason, and Millie.

Bri Monahan

Tax Manager

Pavel Dragun

Pavel Dragun brings over 12 years of experience in tax and accounting, with a strong background serving partnerships, corporations, and individual clients. Prior to joining Torrey Pines, he worked in the tax departments of top 10 national CPA firms where he gained valuable exposure to complex tax structures and compliance strategies across a range of industries. At Torrey Pines, Pavel supports clients with a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach and a focus on clarity in complex tax matters. As an Enrolled Agent (EA), he demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of U.S. tax law, adding an additional layer of confidence for clients navigating nuanced tax issues.

Pavel holds a B.S. in Accountancy and Information Systems and an M.S. In Taxation from California State University, Northridge. Originally from Belarus, Pavel now lives in Canyon Lake, California. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, hiking, woodworking, and spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters. On weekends, you’ll likely find him at the grill for a backyard BBQ or exploring nature trails. Fun fact: he once placed in the top 10 in junior international table tennis competitions!

Pavel Dragun

Tax Manager

Melanie Rago

Melanie Rago brings over 30 years of experience in accounting, tax preparation, payroll, and client services. In her new role as Client Excellence Coordinator, Melanie draws on this depth of experience to support internal operations, enhance team workflows, and ensure that every client receives high-touch, thoughtful service.

Her keen attention to detail and long-standing client relationships make her a natural fit for this role – focusing on operational excellence and client satisfaction. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and caring for her parrots.

Melanie Rago

Client Excellence Coordinator

Jackie Natelson, CPA

Jackie Natelson oversees accounting operations at Luxe Strategic Partners. She started her career managing finance and accounting departments for small businesses before earning a dual B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from Cal State Northridge.

With over a decade of experience in business management, she has facilitated services including bookkeeping, payroll, insurance coordination, and financial reporting across diverse industries. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and young daughter.

Jackie Natelson

Accounting Director

Christy Peterson

Christy Peterson brings over 38 years of experience in bookkeeping and client accounting services. She began her career immediately after high school in her hometown of Yucaipa, California, and has since supported a wide range of businesses across industries.

Now working remotely from Arizona, Christy continues to provide tax return preparation and ongoing bookkeeping support with consistency and care. She enjoys scenic day trips and cherishes time spent with her grandchildren.

Christy Peterson

Accountant