Emmerich & McKnight, LLC - CPAs & Trusted Advisors

Tracy McKnight

CPA

Tracy has been working in small business accounting since before she could drive! She first got her Accounting feet wet working her dad in his back office in Quickbooks. She graduated from UW-River Falls with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Tracy enjoys spending time with her kids and husband, and working on their “forever home” in the country.

Alison Emmerich

CPA, MBA, PFS

Alison has over 10 years of experience in public accounting. She has her Bachelor’s in Accounting, Master’s in Business Administration, and recently acquired her PFS certification. She specializes in Trust and Estate Tax preparation and retirement planning. When Alison isn’t in the office, she loves to travel and being outside with her daughter either boating or biking!

Barb Leitner

Barb is an authority in advising small businesses. With over 30 years in small business consulting and tax preparation, Barb has answers to all your toughest questions and solutions to your most complex financial problems. When Barb isn’t at work, she likes to spend time with her family, friends and her dog, Bailey.

Sandra Dammar

With over 30 years of experience in small business consulting, Sandy is an expert staff accountant. She loves helping our customers prepare for getting maximum returns on personal, and business returns. Sandy is one of our QuickBooks Pro Advisors. She can assist you in all aspects of accounting, bookkeeping and financial statements as well. If you need help with troubleshooting your accounting software she is there to help and can train on QuickBooks if needed. Sandy enjoys family time at her cabin, as well as gardening and playing with her cat.

Tania Stevens

CPA, CVA

Tania is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 10 years of experience, and she recently earned her Certified Valuation Analyst credentials. Tania is highly detailed, passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals and an expert in small business consulting. When she is not crunching the numbers, she enjoys doing anything outdoors, and watching her daughter play hockey.

Jalen McDonnell

Jalen graduated from University of Minnesota Duluth and has 4 years of business and individual tax preparation experience. He enjoys learning more about business taxation, estate-trust issues and bookkeeping. He also plans on to sit for the CPA exam in the near future! When he isn’t working he enjoys traveling.

Robin Straka

CPA, CVA

Robin is a multi-faceted small business expert. She originally started with us in 2017 before moving into a part-time role for a few years. In August of 2023 she made a decision to “come back home” and resume a full-time position here at the firm. When she’s not working, she’s still always busy with her family and her dogs.

Jodie White

Jodie is actively pursuing an Accounting Transfer Pathway Associates degree at Inver Hills Community College and has successfully completed a Tax Preparation Course. When she isn’t working or learning, Jodie enjoys gardening, time with her family, and traveling.

Alana Schnabel

Alana is actively a full-time student pursuing a Business Transfer Pathway Associate’s degree at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and then will be transferring to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in accounting at St. Cloud State University. Alana is currently in the process of finishing a Tax Preparation course in hopes to move into a Staff Accountant role. When Alana isn’t working or learning, she enjoys going to concerts, spending time with family, and spending time with her dog & boyfriend.

Kelli Herr

Kelli joined our office in 2018. She started off at the front desk and has worked her way up to our Office Manager. When not working she is your typical dog mom with two dogs, Meeka & Noni. Spending her free time outside on walks, playing volleyball or enjoying music & sporting events.