Who We Are

Working at CEC, I learn something new every day. It’s a fantastic environment to be in, whether you’re a client or you work here. Prior to joining Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli in 2014, I worked in management at Walmart for 26 years, an accounting firm for three years and an assisted living facility as an Executive Director for three years. These experiences gave me the opportunity to work with budgets, sales, and profit and loss statements making it easier to understand and apply this knowledge to my job at CEC.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my three sons and their families. I also love dogs and I have a special affinity for great danes.  My great dane, Duke, was a people-pleasing, gentle giant famous for hogging the whole couch!!

Education
Associates of Science (AS) in Accounting, Southwestern Illinois College (2019)

Working with numbers always came easily to me and so accounting was a natural fit for a career choice. As a CPA, I thoroughly enjoy solving complex tax and accounting problems for our business and individual clients. My love for working with numbers was cultivated when I managed a number of different fast food restaurants after my military service ended many years ago. 

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and target shooting, as well as ziplining, cliff rappelling and Australian abseiling -- you might say I’m an adrenaline seeker.

Designations
Certified Public Accountant
Chartered Global Management Accountant

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (1984)

Professional Memberships
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Missouri Society of CPA's (MSCPA)

I am the primary financial advisor at Creason-Edwards & Cimarolli. I joined the firm in 2008 after owning my own insurance and financial services firm for 15 years. I am responsible for helping clients identify their financial goals and ultimately, find solutions that help them achieve their vision of financial security. 

In 1982, I married Debi Creason which explains Creason-Edwards in the firm name. We have been blessed with one son, Brandon, who served the country for eight years in the United States Air Force, including time in Afghanistan. He now works in law enforcement in Charleston, South Carolina. We are extremely proud of him.

In my spare time, I enjoy competitive golf, boating, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Alaska is the only state that remains on my bucket list since family vacations allowed me to visit 48 states by the time I reached 15 years old.

Licenses
FINRA Series 6
FINRA Series 7
FINRA Series 63
FINRA Series 66

Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Illinois State University (1982)
Associate of Arts, Danville Area Community College (1979)

I have been a Certified Public Accountant for 40 years which has given me an excellent foundation for financial planning based on tax-smart strategies. Shortly after college, I returned home to join the family accounting firm established in 1960 by my mother and grandfather. I assumed full ownership 6 years later and since then the business has evolved to include a breadth of tax-advantaged financial planning and wealth management services.

I decided to enter the financial services industry so that I could work closely with individuals and businesses who were in search of professionals who engage in truly comprehensive financial planning. Today, the most rewarding part of my work is when my clients have “peace of mind” that they can dream their dreams and live their life knowing they can trust me because, in my mind, they are part of the CEC family.

I consider myself lucky to work so closely with my husband, Kevin, who also shares the same passion for making a difference in our client’s lives. When I’m not at work, I love spending time with family and friends. I enjoy listening to music, dancing, golfing, walking on the beach, but mostly, I enjoy visiting our son in Charleston, SC. I love being around people too! In fact, I always want to invite one more person to the party -- you included! 

Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

Licenses
FINRA Series 7
FINRA Series 66

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Illinois State University (1982)

Professional Memberships
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)