About Us

About O’Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC

For over 40 years, O’Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC has been a trusted name in New England’s financial landscape. Established in the 1980s, our firm was built on a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and long-term client relationships. Today, that foundation remains at the core of everything we do.

Our Services

Our Mission

Empowering Confident Financial Decisions

Our mission is to empower your financial future through expert guidance, proactive strategy, and refined service. We go beyond traditional accounting, acting as your dedicated advisors and partners in success.

Our Approach

Where Expertise Meets Personal Commitment

Trusted Expertise

Our CPA’s, EA’s and advisors bring decades of knowledge across tax, accounting, and business consulting, ensuring accuracy and insight at every step.

Personalized Attention

We believe strong relationships produce better outcomes. Every client receives tailored solutions designed around their goals.

Community-Driven Values

As a long-standing Rutland firm, we proudly support local businesses, nonprofits, and families, helping strengthen the communities we serve.

Who We Serve

A Standard of Excellence for Every Relationship

We work with individuals, families, small businesses, corporations, condominium and homeowner associations, and nonprofit organizations across Vermont. No matter your financial goals, you receive the same level of detail, precision, and care.

Our People

Meet Your Dedicated Advisors

Our team is composed of highly skilled, forward-thinking CPAs and financial professionals committed to delivering the highest standard of service.

TJ Sabotka

Thomas J. Sabotka, CPA, MST

Managing Partner

Thomas J. Sabotka, CPA, MST, joined the firm in 1995 as a Staff Accountant, became a Partner in 2001, and has served as Managing Partner since 2021. He specializes in business and personal tax and planning services. TJ holds an MS in Taxation from Bentley College Graduate School of Business and a BBA in Accounting from Siena College. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs. TJ has served on the boards of Rutland Regional Medical Center, VNA & Hospice of Southwestern Vermont, and Paramount Theatre, demonstrating a strong commitment to community leadership. As a long-time coach at Rutland High School, he has also dedicated many years to mentoring local youth.

Gwen E. Flewelling, CPA

Partner

Gwen E. Flewelling, CPA, joined the firm in 2005 as a Staff Accountant and became a Partner in 2015. She has extensive experience in business and individual tax planning and preparation, with a focus on non-profit and compliance audit services. Gwen holds a BS in Business Administration from Castleton University, with a concentration in Accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, and a member of the Vermont Society of CPAs, serving on the Board of Directors.

Karen A. Bartlett, CPA

Partner

Karen A. Bartlett, CPA, joined the firm in 2008 as a Staff Accountant and became a Partner in 2019. She has extensive experience in nonprofit auditing, with a strong emphasis in higher education. Karen holds a BS in Accounting from College of Saint Joseph and an AS in Accounting from Community College of Vermont. She is a member of the Vermont Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs, and is a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy.

James B. Reynolds, CPA

Senior Partner

James B. Reynolds, CPA, became a Partner in 1991, and served as Managing Partner from 2015-2021. He is currently the firm’s Senior Partner. Jim specializes in estate and retirement planning. He holds a BS in Accounting from Castleton University and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs.

Jeff Langmaid, CPA

Tax Manager

Jeff A. Langmaid, CPA, joined the firm in 2015 as a Tax Manager. His concentrations include tax planning and preparation. Jeff holds a BS in Accounting from Castleton State College. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs, and is licensed in both VT and NY.

Steven F. Goyette, CPA

Tax Manager

Steven F. Goyette, CPA, joined the firm in 2018 as a Tax Manager. He specializes in small business and individual tax services. Steve holds a BS in Accounting from Assumption College. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs.

Alicia Wallett-Cassidy, CPA

Tax Manager

Alicia Wallett-Cassidy, CPA, joined the firm in 2021 as a Tax Manager. She specializes in estate, gift, trust, and individual tax planning and preparation, as well as business tax planning, compliance, and preparation services. She has been practicing in Public Accounting since 1984. Alicia holds a BS in Business from College of St. Joseph. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs.

Michael Jakubowski, CPA

Accounting & Auditing Manager

Michael Jakubowski, CPA, joined the firm in 2021 as an Accounting & Auditing Manager. He has extensive experience in providing tax planning, consulting, and compliance services to individuals and closely held businesses. Mike holds a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from University of Vermont. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs.

Janice K. Craig, CPA

Accounting & Auditing Manager

Janice K. Craig, CPA, joined the firm in 2021 as an Accounting & Auditing Manager. Janice holds BAs in Accounting and English from Westminster College. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Society of CPAs.

Carrie Clarke, EA

Senior Accountant

Carrie Clarke, EA, joined the firm in 2021 as a Senior Accountant. She specializes in corporate and individual income tax preparation, including managing complex tax situations for clients with disorganized or incomplete records. Carrie holds a BS in Business Administration & Accounting from College of St. Joseph. She is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

Nancy J. Boise, EA

Senior Accountant

Nancy Boise, EA, joined the firm in 2021 as a Staff Accountant and became a Senior Accountant later that year. She specializes in the preparation of individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns. Nancy holds an MBA from Clarkson University and a BS in Accounting and Management from Castleton University.

Lindsay S. Perry

Staff Accountant

Lindsay S. Perry joined the firm in 2017 as a Staff Accountant. Her concentrations include payroll, bookkeeping, audits, and tax preparation. Lindsay holds a BS in Accounting from College of St. Joseph.

Adam DeBlasio

Senior Accountant

Adam DeBlasio joined the firm in 2018 as a Staff Accountant and became a Senior Accountant in 2025. His concentrations include accounting, auditing, and tax preparation. Adam holds an MS in Professional Accountancy from University of Vermont and a BS in Finance and Mathematics from Syracuse University.

Rachael Lee

Staff Accountant

Rachel Lee joined the firm in 2022 as a Bookkeeper and became a Staff Accountant later that year. Her services include accounting and auditing. Rachel holds a BS in Business Management from Castleton University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Elizabeth L. Karle

Staff Accountant

Elizabeth L. Karle joined the firm in 2025 as a Staff Accountant. She has extensive experience in financial reporting, compliance, and financial operations. Liz holds an MBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and a BS in Accountancy from Bentley University. She is currently pursuing her CPA licensure.

Kelly Beam

Senior Accountant

Kelly Beam re-joined the firm in 2009 as a Senior Accountant. She has extensive experience in Condominium and HOA accounting and specializes in the preparation of financial statements, bookkeeping, and payroll tax returns. Kelly holds an AS in Accounting from College of St. Joseph.

Julie Pitts

Staff Accountant

Julie Pitts joined the firm in 2014 as a Bookkeeper. She specializes in payroll taxes, tax returns, and all aspects of accounting services and support.

Yamali Chicaña Cacya

Staff Accountant

Yamali Chicaña Cacya joined the firm in 2025 as a Staff Accountant. She holds a BS in Accounting from National University of San Agustín, Peru and is pursuing an MBA in Accounting from Vermont State University.

Jonathan Felesky

Staff Accountant

Jonathan Felesky joined the firm in 2026 as an Intern and became a Staff Accountant later that year. He holds a BA in Accounting with a minor in Computing & Information Studies from Washington and Jefferson College. He is currently pursuing his CPA licensure.

Scotti Bernal

Operations Manager

Scotti Bernal joined the firm in 2019 as an Administrator and became Operations Manager in 2025.

 

 

Lori Opsommer

Accounting Systems Consultant

Lori Opsommer joined the firm in 2022 as an Accounting Systems Consultant. She specializes in accounting software integrations, software training, and accounting system setup / cleanup. She also has experience consulting clients on registering a new business, setting up payroll, and developing more efficient remote work environments.

 

Susan Barnes

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant

Susan Barnes joined the firm in 2021 as a Receptionist and Office Assistant.

 

Amanda Posch

Bookkeeper

Amanda Posch, CGMA, joined the firm in 2022 as a Bookkeeper. She holds an AS in Business from Community College of Vermont.

 

 

Sara Rutigliano

Administrative Assistant

Sara Rutigliano joined the firm in 2024 as an Administrative Assistant.

 

 

Paula Valente

Bookkeeper

Paula Valente joined the firm in 2024 as a Bookkeeper.

 

 

Wendy Commiskey

Office Administrator

Wendy Commiskey re-joined the firm in 2025 as an Office Administrator. She has extensive experience in bookkeeping, organizational and administrative responsibilities, and customer service.

 

 

Morgaen Muñoz

Administrative Assistant

Morgaen Muñoz joined the firm in 2025 as an Administrative Assistant.

 

 

Thomas S. O’Brien, CPA

Of Counsel

Thomas S. O’Brien, CPA, co-founded the firm in 1987 with Tom Shortle and served as Managing Partner of the firm for its first 10 years. He is now retired. Tom specialized in retirement and estate planning. He holds a BBA in Accounting from Iona College and is a member of the Vermont Society of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, the American Accounting Association, and the New York State Society of CPAs.

 

 

Thomas B. Shortle, CPA, CVA

Of Counsel

Thomas B. Shortle, CPA, CVA, co-founded the firm in 1987 with Tom O’Brien and served as Managing Partner from 1998 through 2015. His concentrations are in business and personal income tax planning and compliance and advisory services. Tom holds a BS in Business Administration from Castleton University and is a member and former President of the Board of Directors of the Vermont Society of CPAs and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Vermont Board of Accountancy.

 

 

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