A TEAM Like No Other

David S. McLaren, CPA, CGMA, CRFAC, ABGOV, RFI, CRFAU and his firm, McLaren & Associates CPAs, PC specialize in dynamic strategic tax planning and tax preparation as well as fraud detection and deterrence, forensic accounting and audits, profitability analysis and advisory services, divorce, and estate planning. David earned a degree in accountancy from Bentley University (Cum Laude) and is a current member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Board of Forensic Accounting, and MENSA. He also belongs to several networking groups, including the Business Networking International, and ProVisors, described as “a community of professionals who serve their clients as trusted advisors and share the highest standards of integrity, performance, and accountability.”

David and his team have been voted the #1 Best Forensic Accounting firm in the Worcester Business Journal Best of Business Awards for seven years in a row (2019 – 2025). In 2019 and 2020, McLaren & Associates CPAs, PC was voted the #2 accounting firm in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette Best of Central Mass Awards. David has been recognized as a Worcester Business Journal “40 Under Forty” winner, celebrating business entrepreneurs and leaders who have achieved remarkable success before their 40th birthdays. In April 2024, the Power 100 feature for David McLaren “Highlights top business influencers in Central Massachusetts.” David was featured in MassCPAs article which insights Strategies to Differentiate your Business (January 2024) and in Worcester Business Journal’s article for tracking down fraud, winning Best Forensic Accountant (January 2025). In 2023 and 2025 He was nominated for Best of Central Mass Community Choice Award Nomination for Best Accountant. He was also nominated for the Best of Central Mass Community Choice Award Nomination for Best Accounting Firm in 2023 and 2025.

David spends time with his adult daughter, Lisa, his wife Kim, and their children, Sophia, Emma, and Max.

Grzegorz Wenc was born in Tarnów, Poland but immigrated to the United States at a young age with his parents and sister. He was raised in Rhode Island and now resides in Massachusetts with his loving wife, Jaclyn, and their dogs. He received his undergrad and MBA degree from Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a testament to his drive and dedication that, although he had the option to complete his undergraduate studies early, Grzeg chose to take an additional eight courses in order to obtain a concentration in forensic.

Grzeg started his career with KPMG and has been with McLaren & Associates since 2015. With his notable accounting skills and attention to detail, he has become an excellent addition to the firm’s specialty: strategic tax planning and forensic accounting. What does he like about working at M&A? “The people that I work with, the environment, and the clients. I like how we don’t just input data into tax software to prepare a return. Instead, we provide actual advice that saves the client money. We become their trusted advisor and play a role in their business and their lives. You feel like you are a part of their success”.

Outside of work Grzeg likes to watch sports and spend time with his family and their extended family. A fun fact about Grzeg is that he is a huge American football fan. When his nephews were younger, he took them to their first professional game. It was a Patriots home game versus the Bengals. They had such a fun time that they have made it a yearly tradition. Once his nephews became a little bit older, they started going to away games. Their goal is to see the Pats play in every stadium in the NFL!

Grzeg admires and gives thanks to his parents for shaping him into the person he is today. His dad has a military background, and his mom is college-educated and had a great career working for the government in Poland. His parents gave up their careers when immigrating to the U.S. and became blue-collar workers for reasons that America represented an opportunity for a better way of life for his sister and himself. Grzeg will always be grateful for their sacrifice and will never forget it. Grzeg is happy to say that he is “living the American Dream” and his parents played a major role in that. His mom showed him the softer side of life such as caring for people, doing the right thing, and staying positive. His dad instilled discipline in him and taught him how to be mentally strong. He showed him the importance of family and how valuable it is to have a strong work ethic as he had worked over 50 plus hours a week for as long as Grzeg can remember. Family life was not always easy growing up, there were some hardships, but Grzeg always had the support of his family. “They were always there for me as I am for them”.

With over 30 years of experience, Jennifer Williams is the firm’s strong right arm, bringing to the table a profound understanding of tax issues—especially those concerning the ramifications of stock options and other employee incentive programs. Her depth of experience and selfless dedication has proved invaluable to the firm and its clients.

Jennifer was born and raised in Worcester, MA and now resides in Hubbardston, MA with her hockey-loving family. She has had an array of influential mentors over the years, but recalls one in particular, “I had a boss who sent me back to get my MBA and my CPA knowing full well that I would end up leaving after my education was done.” That being said, Jennifer graduated with her bachelor’s from New York University, received her MBA from Clark University, and was invited into the Beta Gamma Sigma Society, the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

When she served as then Loan Specialist and Director, Jen exemplified The Center for Women and Enterprise’s mission “to empower women to become self-sufficient and prosperous through Entrepreneurship.” She helped many of the Center’s clients develop business plans and secure funding for their businesses. “I love being in service to entrepreneurs and their growing companies,” she says, which is clear in her consultations with clients regarding the tax implications of their business decisions, and in her work as a former instructor at Clark University where students learned about taxation, entrepreneurship, accounting, and financial analysis.

Owning and managing five-day care centers in Central Massachusetts gave Jennifer firsthand experience in running a business, and she enthusiastically shares the lessons learned. Taking a hands-on approach to clients’ needs, she works with the McLaren and Associates team to uncover options that other CPA’s miss. Clients say this not only reduces their taxes, but it also helps them to better run their businesses.

Jen is a member of the AICPA, MSCPA, Provisors, and Business Networking International. She is also a winner of the Worcester Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” award and a lifetime member of the Abigail Adams Society (she’s even portrayed Abigail Adams in “1776” on stage at Theatre at the Mount!) She also was accepted published an article through MassCPAs for reducing stress “Finding Balance: 10 Tips for Managing Stress and Enjoying Life” (Spring 2025)

While most important to Jen is her family—she is devoted to husband Jeff and sons Emery Chase Markles and Gordon Nathaniel Williams—she takes seriously her commitment to others. “I love our team here at McLaren & Associates, and I’m proud of our dedication to helping our clients. I need to be in service, and at McLaren & Associates I can do that by providing extraordinary forensic and strategic tax services.”

Jennifer finds support, inspiration, and encouragement through one of her role models, Cherie Hafford. “My coach, she has such a clear inner voice that tells her the right answers. My inner voice is more of a whisper at this juncture, but I am working at it!”

Although very accomplished already, Jen would like to receive her MST someday.

When Jen is not at work, she is singing opera. She also loves watching her son and the Boston Bruins play hockey and spending time with her grandson.

Guilty pleasure? “I like watching episodes of the original Law and Order” but she also confesses she likes “Our fourth of July ritual: Watching the movie of 1776 (with William Daniels, Blythe Danner, and Ken Howard) and crying like a baby at the sheer beauty of this piece of theater and its portrayal of the struggles and compromises endured to gain our freedom from Great Britain.”

Patrick Sweeney was born and raised in Northbridge, Massachusetts. He is a first-generation college graduate. Patrick graduated from Worcester State University in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He is now pursuing his Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Accounting.

Patrick has three older half-siblings who are 8, 10, and 12 years older than him. This pushed him to grow and mature faster than most and allowed him to connect well with people who are older than him.

When Patrick is not in the office he is at the gym, playing golf, out with friends, or hiking with his blue nose Pitbull. On the weekends he likes to go to his family’s summer home in Connecticut. Patrick loves cookouts and is a master spike ball and cornhole player.

Patrick started working at McLaren & Associates in 2020. What does Patrick like about working at M&A? “What makes M&A stand out is the culture that has been created over the years. After interning at a previous firm, I can really see the difference at M&A because we are always trying to improve, and by us improving, we are able to communicate and service our clients’ needs that much better.”

Patrick would love to travel and see the world with his friends and family. He hopes to earn his CPA and own his own business one day.

Colleen was born and raised in Billerica, MA. She joined the McLaren & Associates team in 2021, shortly after graduating from Nichols College with her bachelor’s degree in accounting. In 2022, Colleen also graduated with her master’s degree in accounting from Nichols. She is currently in the process of studying for her CPA exams to achieve her goal of obtaining her CPA license.

Outside of work, Colleen enjoys working out and staying active, as she has played softball since she was 7 years old, including 4 years at college! She also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends, especially her two dogs.

What does Colleen like about working at M&A? “My favorite part about working at M&A is the culture and environment that we have in our office. Since my first day, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and truly cares about your well-being and success both professionally and personally. Having a team that collaborates well to balance work and relationships makes all the difference when going to work every day.”

I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life. In college, I majored in Business and Spanish. Outside of work I can be found curled up with a good book or adventuring around New England. I joined the McLaren team in 2022 and am looking forward to learning and growing here in the years to come.

Kendra Bardier was born and raised in Thompson, Connecticut. She started working at McLaren & Associates in May of 2023. Kendra graduated from Nichols College in May 2022 with a BSBA in Accounting and minor in Criminal Justice. In May 2023 she graduated from Nichols College again with her MSA.

Outside of work Kendra likes to be active. She had danced since she was 5 years old up until 2022 when she graduated from Nichols. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching documentaries, and going to the beach in the summer.

I have lived in the Worcester area my whole life. I majored in Accounting and graduated from Emmanuel College. I love games, chess, and Boston sports. I joined the McLaren family in late 2023 and strive towards improving and providing the best service to our clients.

Julia Coleman was born and raised in Massachusetts where she was the youngest of 6 children. Growing up, Julia enjoyed softball, competitive dance, swimming/lifeguarding, and anything with family, friends, or her animals. In 2014, Julia moved to Rhode Island to be closer to the ocean. “The closer I am to the ocean, the more I feel my stress dissipate.”

From 2008-2013, Julia was a Cosmetologist & Professional Make-up Artist; she graduated Beauty school in 2011. In 2013, Julia made a career change into Business Administration and Management. She climbed the corporate ladder in healthcare where she found her passion for helping people. She is now broadening her scope by working in the accounting world. 

Julia started working at McLaren & Associates, CPA’s, PC in May 2023. She is a Full-Time Executive Assistant to the Founder and is always happy to help the team with anything they need. One of her favorite quotes is by Seth Godin: “Don’t be the ‘next.’ Instead, try to be the other, the changer, the new.” 

The perfect weekend for Julia would include sleeping in, visiting her favorite café, hiking to feed the local turtles, attending a car show, playing games, spending time with her friends and family at the drag strip, a day at the beach or maybe spending the day in with her two Siamese cats and northeastern painted turtle.

I am originally from India and moved to the United States in 2022. I hold a master’s degree in accountancy and have successfully cleared all four sections of the CPA exam from the Arizona State Board of Accountancy in 2023. I am currently in the process of applying for my CPA license.

My professional journey with M&A began in March 2024 as an intern, and I transitioned into a full-time bookkeeper role in May 2024. In this position, I specialize in maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling accounts, and managing payroll. I take pride in delivering precise financial insights that support informed decision-making for clients and stakeholders.

What I value most about M&A is its collaborative culture, high standards of work, and opportunities for continuous growth. These qualities inspire me to contribute my best every day and to grow as a professional.

Outside of work, I enjoy painting, traveling to explore new cultures and landscapes, and practicing meditation to maintain mindfulness and balance in my life. These hobbies fuel my creativity and provide fresh perspectives that I bring into my professional endeavors.

Laura was born and raised in Oxford, Massachusetts with her twin brother.  Laura’s mother is a self-employed tax accountant, who entrusted Laura with the opportunity to work at her busy tax office as an Administrative Assistant in 2014.  This position drove Laura to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from Worcester State University in 2019.

When Laura is not working, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, visiting antique stores, art museums, trying new coffee shops, and learning to cook new recipes.

Laura started working at McLaren & Associates in June of 2024. What does Laura like about working at M&A? “I enjoy working at M&A because I have the most supportive team. Everyone here holds space for each other and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone that works at M&A feels celebrated and valued.

When it comes to dedication, energy, and drive, the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree in the McLaren family. Daughter Lisa was born in Worcester and raised in Millbury, MA. Her earliest memories are of family, building a snowman with Dad, apple-picking with her maternal grandmother, going to the carnival. “Family and friends – they’re still the ones who make me laugh.”

Lisa is a full time Registered Nurse and has carried her love of family and close relationships into her work environments. She works part time at McLaren & Associates doing a variety of administrative duties. “I love the atmosphere here. It’s a family feeling. Clients attend family parties, they feel that close! I never feel reluctant to get to work. We all try to be as communicative and open as possible – it’s a very positive environment.”

Lisa’s commitment to serving others extends beyond the McLaren & Associates offices: She is currently employed as a full-time Registered Nurse, she’s worked as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for several years while earning her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medical and Health Studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, with a concentration in Health Psychology. “I feel that this job at McLaren & Associates plays a supplementary role in helping me to become a better healthcare provider. Healthcare is ultimately a business, and I didn’t realize that until I was halfway through college. I now feel I can develop a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare field from observing my father and his clients, and how they run their own businesses.”

When she’s not at the hospital or at the office Lisa directs her considerable energy into kickboxing and Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed by the Israel Defense forces (“I’ve got a yellow belt!”) and the sea – Old Orchard Beach in Maine often beckons.

Guilty pleasure? “Reality TV – it’s awful, but entertaining.”

Sarah Keohane was born and raised in Oxford, Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Assumption College with a concentration in data analytics.

After working as a data analyst for four years, she decided to start a new career in accounting and joined the McLaren & Associates team as a Bookkeeper in March 2025.

What does Sarah like about working at M&A? “I appreciate how supportive, transparent, and close-knit the team is. I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in many areas of bookkeeping, and I’ve already learned so much since joining.”

Outside of work Sarah likes to attend concerts and comedy shows and spend time with friends and family.

Samantha was born and raised in Cambridge, MA, and moved to Burlington, MA at age 9. She joined the McLaren & Associates team in June of 2025 after graduating summa cum laude from Fitchburg State University with a degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting and minoring in Economics.

During her time at Fitchburg State, Samantha was a 4-year member of the Varsity Volleyball team, and a 3-year captain. She was also a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was honored as one of the university’s Student Athletes of the Year in her senior year.

When she is not working, Samantha enjoys staying active by playing volleyball, going to the gym, and walking her dog. She also loves to go thrifting, play music, crochet, and spend time with friends and family.

Samantha’s favorite part of working at McLaren & Associates is the supportive and welcoming environment created by all of the employees, which fosters growth and learning. She is grateful to have found a company that genuinely lives by their motto and strives to make a positive differences in the lives of everyone around them, both inside and outside of the office!

Born and raised in West Hartford, CT, Elaine moved to Massachusetts in 1982 after graduating high school. She joined the McLaren & Associates team in June 2025, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in Office Management.

Elaine’s favorite part about working at McLaren & Associates?
“The culture here. The laughter, kindness, and truly supportive environment make it such a special place. Everyone genuinely cares about each other, both personally and professionally. I love being part of a team that values work/life balance—and I look forward to coming to work every day to be around such amazing people.”

Outside of work, Elaine enjoys traveling, going to concerts, spending time with her daughter and family, hanging out at the beach, and long rides on the Harley-Davidson. At home, she loves hanging out with Harley, her pup and Scooby Doo, her cat. Elaine is a classically trained singer and was on the lead team for her church choir for several years.

Betty was born in Greenfield, MA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western New England College with two minors in Social Work and Early Childhood Education. Betty joined McLaren & Associates in February 2025. Betty has been enjoying her time working at M&A and notes how friendly, supportive, and caring the team is. So different from many other companies, in a good way! When Betty is not working, she enjoys hanging out with her family, including her animals. She also loves music, gardening and cooking.

Born in Leominster and raised in Shirley, Massachusetts, Allison joined McLaren & Associates in February 2025 as a tax intern and became a full-time team member in June 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from UMass Lowell in May 2024.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, relaxing by the lake or beach, and staying active outdoors—especially during the summer months.

Allison is excited to continue growing with the McLaren & Associates team and values the opportunity to help clients navigate their tax needs with confidence and clarity.