Meet Our Team

Stewart “Stu” Mueller, CPA, is the Managing Partner and founder of cHb Advisors, which has been dedicated to serving closely held businesses, non-profits, and their stakeholders since 1998. His accounting career began in the restaurant and pharmaceutical industries, including a tenure at Medicine Shoppe International. With 40 years and counting of experience in accounting and related systems, Stewart has consulted with and advised numerous entities in optimizing their financial and operational processes.

Stewart has always had a keen aptitude for envisioning the end result for organizations in need of system and process improvements and has successfully transformed a number of entities into efficient, well-structured operations. He has applied that same strategic foresight to the growth of cHb Advisors, which has facilitated changes across thousands of entities. From refining accounting processes and personnel to improving accounting software systems, analytics, cost recovery, and overhead, Stewart has been instrumental in enhancing financial structures while establishing a strong culture that fosters collaboration between accounting teams and other departments.

Stewart currently manages the Advisory and Consulting division, which focuses on assisting entities in revising their accounting systems and workplace culture. He has worked with organizations of all sizes across a wide range of industries. He has experience in legal, construction (general contractor and specialty trade), manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, medical, personal services, and many other industries.

In addition to passing all sections of the CPA exam on the first attempt in 1996, Stewart holds multiple QuickBooks certifications and has over 30 years of experience in QuickBooks Desktop Software with a focus on their Enterprise product. He was an original member of both the QuickBooks Pro Advisors since 1998 and the Intuit Reseller Program, as well as serving on the Intuit Customer and Accountant Advisory Panel in 2005 and 2006. His extensive expertise also includes QuickBooks Online, Needles and Neos, Sage Intacct, Excel, and related third-party applications – including industry- supporting and data analysis products.

Michelle Gorka, CPA, CGMA, has over 26 years of experience in accounting as well as a passion for optimizing financial systems. She started in her current role as the Advisory Manager at cHb Advisors in 2024, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve efficiency and accuracy in clients’ accounting systems.

Throughout Michelle’s extensive career, she has held leadership roles and gained invaluable experience across multiple industries, including telecommunications, hospitality, food service, construction, and advertising. Most recently, she served as CFO for a local retailer, where she played a pivotal role in streamlining their financial operations. Her expertise in QuickBooks, Sage, Excel, and other accounting software allows her to identify and implement solutions that drive accuracy and efficiency.

As a key member of the Advisory division at cHb Advisors, Michelle is committed to staying at the forefront of emerging accounting technologies in order to help both the firm and our clients grow. One of her recent achievements involved spearheading a conversion to Sage at a company that had seen seven controllers in a five year span. Her expertise and dedication helped to stabilize operations, resulting in cleaner and more reliable financials.

A continual learner and active problem solver, Michelle has an honest and strategic approach along with a determination that allows her to overcome complex challenges. She prides herself on her ability to confront any situation, assess the needs, and implement solutions that ensure every client receives the highest level of service and results, enabling them to thrive.

Jack Barrett, CPA, joined cHb Advisors in December 2013 and currently serves as Tax Manager. He specializes in assisting closely held businesses, high net worth individuals, S-corporations, and partnerships, developing tailored strategies that align with each client’s financial goals and offering proactive guidance across a comprehensive range of tax matters.

Jack has been a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor since 2013 and became a licensed CPA in 2017, providing both technical expertise and practical insight to his work with clients. Jack is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), an affiliation that reflects his commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and continuing education.

Since joining cHb Advisors, Jack has played a key role in the firm’s growth and stability. Prior to 2016, he supported the firm across multiple departments, taking on a variety of responsibilities wherever needed and developing a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations. Since stepping into his leadership role, Jack has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening the Tax Compliance and Advisory department – overhauling tax planning processes and streamlining communication with clients to support expedient and informed financial decisions.

Whether he is helping clients navigate complex tax decisions or interacting with his team, Jack brings both levity and confidence to cHb Advisors. His personalized approach, consistent execution, and ability to meet deadlines make him a reliable and valued advisor to clients and colleagues alike.

Ashley Choate, CPA, joined cHb Advisors in 2009 as our Financial Manager and has been an essential part of the firm’s growth and success ever since. With over 16 years of experience in financial accounting and advisory services, Ashley specializes in reviews, compilations, and the preparation of financial statements.

Ashley has been a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor since 2009 and a CPA since passing the exam in 2015. Her experience, along with her continued dedication to staying current with industry best practices and tools, help her contribute a deep understanding of both financial reporting and practical system implementation to her work with clients.

In her role as Financial Manager, Ashley has had a significant impact on the internal structure and operations of cHb Advisors. She was central in establishing the firm’s administrative standards and has been key in implementing many of the internal procedures and policies used by our team. Her leadership and long-term dedication provide stability and direction, helping to shape the collaborative and supportive culture at cHb Advisors.

As a leading member of the Financial Compliance and Advisory department, Ashley delivers personalized guidance to clients across a range of industries. She specializes in QuickBooks training and system conversions and has helped numerous entities transition from paper-based methods to more efficient digital processes. Her passion for QuickBooks, Excel, and financial reviews are evident in her expert, hands-on approach, empowering clients with the tools they need to manage their financials with confidence.

Kiya Porter joined cHb Advisors in September 2025 as a Staff Accountant and quickly became a trusted contributor within the Financial, Advisory, and Tax departments. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience gained during her early career, Kiya supports a wide range of accounting functions, helping both clients and internal teams maintain accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in their financial processes.

Kiya assists with a wide range of responsibilities within the financial department, supporting day to day processes, contributing to advisory projects, and assisting with tax-related work across various industries. She has also completed various QuickBooks trainings, further strengthening her ability to help clients streamline day to day operations and enhance their financial workflows. Known for her attention to detail and willingness to tackle complex issues, she brings a thoughtful, solutions focused approach to each engagement.

As her role continues to expand, Kiya contributes to collaborative projects, process improvements, and the ongoing development of client service best practices. Her growing expertise and dependable work ethic make her a valuable part of the team.

Megan Willis joined cHb Advisors in February 2026 as an Intern supporting the Financial, Advisory, and Tax department. With prior experience managing diverse teams, she has a deep appreciation for the level of communication, efficiency, and attention to detail required to deliver accurate, timely work.

Through her academic background, Megan has developed strong research and writing skills, which she is eager to apply in helping clients understand and navigate complex financial processes and challenges. As her accounting knowledge continues to expand, she looks forward to contributing more deeply to collaborative financial, advisory, and tax engagements, always keeping clients at the forefront of her efforts.

Megan is currently pursuing a Master of Accounting degree at Washington University in St. Louis, where she continues to strengthen her technical foundation and practical understanding of accounting practices. She is also an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, an international accounting and finance honor society, which gives her the opportunity to learn the latest accounting business practices and develop her professional network.

Kate Welker serves as Assistant Business Manager and has been an integral part of cHb Advisors since January 2022. With over eight years of experience in customer service, retail management, and sales – including bookkeeping and audit preparation – Kate plays a key role in enhancing both client relations and administrative efficiency.

As part of the Business Administration department, Kate provides essential support in tax administration, accounts receivable, data management, and business operations. As the firm’s primary client liaison for tax portals such as Client Axcess and My1040Data, she ensures a seamless document submission process. Internally, she oversees IT operations and system optimization and was instrumental in successfully migrating the entire office to Microsoft Teams, streamlining communication and improving collaboration across all departments. Kate has also developed instructional videos for both the firm and our clients, establishing consistent and efficient training protocols.

One of Kate’s most rewarding accomplishments has been her growth in her professional responsibilities and technical expertise. From tax return processing to client communications, she continues to expand her skills and positively impact the firm. Because of her willingness to help, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to delivering accurate and informed solutions, Kate is a trusted resource for colleagues and clients alike.

Angela Stahr serves as Assistant Business Manager and has been part of cHb Advisors
since December 2025. Bringing more than 34 years of combined professional
experience, including 27 years in the automotive industry in the accounting office, and
seven years in executive administration.  

Angela serves as a vital member of the Business Administration team, providing
comprehensive support to ensure smooth office operations and facility management. In
her role, she acts as one of the firm’s client liaisons for tax portals such as Client Axcess
and SafeSend, facilitating efficient document submissions. Angela also manages client
payments and processes bank deposits, oversees office and facility management,
coordinates events and errands, and ensures timely renewal of professional licenses.
Her proactive approach and organizational expertise help maintain seamless
administrative workflows and a well-functioning office environment. 

One of Angela’s most rewarding accomplishments has been her ability to continually
expand her professional responsibilities with much adaptability and precision. Her
proactive approach, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to delivering accurate,
efficient solutions make Angela a trusted resource for colleagues and clients alike.

Christian Bridges is an Administrative Professional and Accounting Intern at CHB
Advisors, where he supports client service operations and assists with accounting, tax
preparation, and internal administrative processes. Since joining the firm in October
2024, Christian has demonstrated strong attention to detail, professionalism, and a
commitment to delivering accurate and efficient support to both clients and team
members. 

In his role, he contributes to financial data organization, document management, and
workflow coordination while gaining hands-on experience in public accounting and
advisory services. Christian is passionate about building a strong foundation in
accounting principles and continuously expanding his technical knowledge and client
service skills. 

Christian is currently pursuing his B.S. in Accounting at UMSL, where he is developing a
comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business
strategy. His coursework emphasizes analytical thinking, ethical financial practices, and
practical application of accounting standards.