About Us
MEET THE TEAM
Certified Public Accountant
Hope St. Clair
Hope St. Clair, CPA is a Certified Public Accountant specializing in tax and accounting for small businesses and their owners since 2006. Hope is an expert in tax planning strategies using tax credits, deductions, and loopholes to maximize benefits to her clients. For nearly 25 years, Hope has called Georgia her home after transferring from Southern California to work with The Coca-Cola Company. Besides being a mother of two and new grandmother, she leads the Cherokee CPA team with grace and enthusiasm. She finds joy snuggling her twin grandsons, ensuring the financial success of Starbucks, brushing up on her baking skills and attending hometown festivities with her husband, Roger.
Enrolled Agent, Senior Tax Manager
KIMBERLY DEARBORN
Kim Dearborn is an Enrolled Agent with over 30 years of practical experience to assist clients and safely navigate the waters of compliance and tax planning. Her passion is helping individuals, non-profits, and businesses create and implement tax plans that maximize their long-term economic wellbeing. With a lifelong love of numbers and organization, this Foxboro, MA native earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Bentley. Kim also volunteers her time with local community groups and events. She holds a license for Real Estate Sales. She serves as the Trustee of her condo association and in her free time, enjoys exercise, baking, walking and Sudoku. Kim is also a Reiki Master who dabbles in DJing and cake decorating.
Tax Manager, Pickens County
Kate Coleman
Kate Coleman is the newest addition to our CPA team but brings great expertise. With a knack for numbers and a quirky sense of humor, Kate brings a wealth of experience in small business accounting. Originally hailing from the evergreen state of Washington but with roots tracing back to Japan courtesy of a military upbringing, Kate now calls Georgia home sweet home.
Armed with a Master's of Science in Accountancy from Western Governors University, Kate is not just your average number cruncher—she's an Enrolled Agent extraordinaire! She loves working with small business clients by helping them know their numbers, stay in compliance and keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible!
When she's not diving into financial statements or saving the day with tax strategies, Kate cherishes moments with her loving husband and their son, who brings boundless joy to her world. And when it's time to unwind, you'll find her exploring new destinations, conquering hiking trails, firing up the grill for some epic BBQ, or just basking in the great outdoors.
Business Development Manager
ERIN PREISER
Erin has been a Georgia transplant for 16 years but is originally from the Midwest. She has a BA in Psychology and an MBA. She worked as a project manager before joining the local school district, and as a small business bookkeeper before joining Cherokee CPA. She and her husband of 23 years are the proud parents of five children ranging from elementary school to adult. Erin's been known to bring home stray animals, she's fluent in movie quotes, loves to get lost in a good book, watch the Braves, take beach vacations and is addicted to tattoos.
Staff Accountant
ALICIA FRANKLIN
Alicia is a Georgia native and has called Cherokee County home for the past 10 years. She obtained a degree in Accounting from Chattahoochee Tech and has previous experience in customer service, project management, office and accounting management. Alicia spends her free time chauffering her three children and wrangling her beloved chickens. She also enjoys weekend escapes with her husband. You can also spot Alicia at her favorite Mexican restaurant every Friday night.
Staff Accountant
Michael Medori
Michael moved to Georgia in 2010 after spending 18 years residing in Newark Delaware. He earned a baseball scholarship and a Bachelor’s degree in Business at Young Harris College and from there the rest is history—North Georgia became his home.
Following his college years, Michael embarked on an entrepreneurial path, owning and operating multiple businesses. This hands-on experience provided him with invaluable insights into business operations and financial management.
After earning a Certificate in Accounting at Liberty University, Michael is currently on the journey to achieving his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Outside of work, Michael’s most cherished role is that of a Father. He has one son, John Michael Medori, whom he calls Johnny. Both Michael and Johnny are quite the adventurers, finding joy in activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and Johnny’s most favorite place in the whole world—Urban Air, a trampoline park.
Assisting clients in their financial goals, growing their businesses, and finding financial freedom is what motivates Michael. Business development, advising, and proper accounting is his goal and the client is always the priority. With integrity, determination, and focus, Michael loves ensuring that the goals of each client are achieved.
Office Manager and Client Relations
Elizabeth Garrison
Elizabeth was born and raised in New York where she earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Oneonta. From there, she joined her parents in South Florida but decided to leave and move to Cherokee County in 2018. Before joining us at Cherokee CPA, she was an elementary school teacher for 12 years. From her time in education, she brings strengths in organization and building relationships. When she’s not busy working, Elizabeth enjoys working out, spending time in the sun, relaxing with her sweet pup Penelope, and most recently learning to embroider.
CHEROKEE CPA SERVICES PC
101 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 101
Canton, Georgia 30115
Canton, Georgia 30115
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm