The Buckeye Bookkeeping Team
Melissa Mercer
Founder and President
Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
Melissa's interest in accounting and bookkeeping was inspired by several volunteer treasurer positions she held in organizations when her children were young. She completed her Professional Bookkeeper designation and opened Buckeye Bookkeeping in 2006. Shortly thereafter she earned the Intuit Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor status.
Melissa has worked with businesses in a variety of areas including retail, daycare, restaurant, professional services, legal and construction. Melissa has also honed a niche working with not-for-profit organizations, recalling her initial experience as a volunteer treasurer.
She and her husband have two children who are currently pursuing careers of their own. Melissa and her husband love spending time with their family and their corgi. They also enjoy traveling, hiking and time with long-term dinner group friends.
Carrie Long
Staff Accountant, Quality Control
Carrie has over 15 years' experience in Accounting and Business Management. She obtained her BBA in General Business Management from Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia Beach, VA, and continued to grow in her career following that. She has spent the majority of her career in either general management or accounting/financial management positions with private companies and has experience working with multiple clients at another accounting firm in Virginia. Carrie has a true passion for accounting, and very much enjoys preparing financial reports and providing support to business owners and managers. Her colleagues would describe her as passionate, helpful, committed, honest, and extremely funny!
Carrie relocated from Virginia to Ohio, and lives in Columbus along with her favorite aunt, uncle, two dogs, and a cat. She has two adult children (one daughter and one son) and two granddaughters that are her world. She enjoys traveling, camping, dancing, and going to school. If there's a beach nearby, you can find her there!
Carrie's core work schedule is 8:30 - 2:30 Monday-Thursday.
Lori Pflaum
Staff Accountant and Client Services Coordinator
Connect with Lori on LinkedIn
Lori joined the team in 2017 and brings an extensive background in Accounting and Business Management. After graduating from OSU where she earned her BSBA in Accounting, she quickly launched her accounting career at Coopers & Lybrand. Now she brings with her a solid knowledge base in the accounting cycle processes and procedures to ensure the production of an accurate and timely financial package. Lori focuses on client communications and managing accounts for the team.
She and her husband live in Worthington along with their daughter and furry family members. Lori enjoys cooking, yoga, tennis and travel.
Lori's core work schedule is 9am – 3pm Monday through Wednesday.
Traci Poole
Accountant
Traci is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned her BSBA in Accounting. She spent several years in both accounting / financial roles and as a business owner. She enjoys developing client relationships, learning about businesses, as well as assisting clients with their bookkeeping and accounting needs.
She and her husband live in Powell and have 2 sons. She is an avid fan of OSU Men's Volleyball, loves animals, warm weather, and recently discovered pickleball!
Traci's core work schedule is 10am – 5pm Tuesday through Thursday.
Craig Ryland
Accountant
Craig is a graduate of Franklin University where he earned his BS in Accounting. He has spent several years in both accounting and information technology leadership roles. Craig loves data and keeping up on technology news, and spending time with his wife. They have travelled over 7,000 miles by boat along the United States's eastern seaboard.
Craig lives in central Ohio with his wife and their miniature long-haired dachshund Carlee.
Craig's core work hours are mornings Tuesday through Thursday.
Todd Mroczkowski
Staff Accountant, Quality Control
Todd Mroczkowski, also known as "Mirch" within his family, is an analytical accountant who finds fulfillment in understanding and improving business operations. He enjoys cooking and is the primary chef in his household. If not at work, he'd likely be in the Florida Keys. Todd is a devoted pet owner to three dogs named Pixie, Cricket, and Boone. A passionate sports enthusiast, he supports the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ohio State teams. His colleagues would likely describe him as analytical and dedicated. Outside of work, Todd prioritizes spending time with his family and dogs, engaging in outdoor activities like yard work, golfing, and jogging. He values volunteering and believes in hiring individuals who are smarter than him.
Cheri Carter
Bookkeeper
Cheri joined the Buckeye Bookkeeping team in April 2021. She previously served as the Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit, behavioral health organization for 20 years. She was responsible for the fiscal planning, implementation, managing and running all the finance activities from budget through tax filing and audit oversight. She led the fiscal activities of the organization from its founding through a merger in 2020. She understands and appreciates the importance of the fiscal role in supporting the vision and mission of a small business. She is currently in boot camp to become a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Cheri and her husband, John live in the Berwick neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio.
She thrives in warm weather, walking on beaches, watching the sunset over water and flower gardening.
Cheri's core work schedule is 8:30-4:00 Tuesday through Thursday.
Kelsey Bohler
Bookkeeper
After earning her B.A. from Wheaton College (IL) in 2008, Kelsey Bohler spent over 15 years teaching piano before embarking on a career shift to bookkeeping. Fueled by her passion for numbers, tax preparation, and personal finance, she pursued further education, obtaining her A.A.B. in Accounting from Edison State in 2024. Kelsey finds fulfillment in the clarity of accounting, particularly in bookkeeping and tax matters, and aims to pursue CPA certification in the future.
Alongside her husband, Zach, Kelsey is a mother to five children, with another on the way in 2024. Actively engaged in her community, she serves as the Music Director at her church. Kelsey cherishes travel experiences, with her family's favorite destinations including Acadia National Park, Yellowstone National Park, the Badlands, the St. Louis Arch, and Sleeping Bear Dunes. In her free time, she indulges in hobbies such as gardening, woodworking, and enjoying audiobooks.
Cindy Shondell
Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Cindy Shondell is a people leader and bookkeeper based in Columbus, OH. She joined the BBS team in the spring of 2023. Prior to BBS Cindy spent 18 years in retail management with a focus on operations and people development. Cindy has a love for learning, especially anything related to mindset and behavioral economics.
When she is not at work you can find Cindy exploring the zoo with her son Nate, hiking, working in the garden, or curled up with a good book. Cindy resides in Powell, OH with her husband Ryan, son Nate, and their two miniature schnauzers: Gideon and Harrow.
Cindy is available Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the morning and early afternoon hours.
