About Us

John Schaaf, Owner/Partner, After graduating from Indiana University with bachelor of science degrees in Accounting and in Finance, John joined the Indianapolis office of Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest tax and accounting firms in the world, as a tax consultant. While there, he worked closely with Deloitte’s tax experts in serving the tax consulting and preparation needs of some of Indiana’s largest closely-held and publicly-traded businesses. He also assisted in the development and implementation of the tax preparation software that Deloitte uses in all of its United States offices. In 2005, John left Deloitte and joined the Indianapolis office of Alerding & Co, LLC, a top 25, by size, CPA firm in Indianapolis at the time. While at that firm, he served somewhat smaller businesses and their owners in their tax consulting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and other accounting needs. In October 2007, John founded Schaaf CPA Group in downtown Westfield.

Along with his beautiful wife, Lisa, and three children, John is a resident of Westfield, Indiana. In his free time, he enjoys “messing with real estate” in all forms – commercial rentals, residential rentals, flips, buy and holds, hard-money financing, and like kind exchange intermediation…he really gets excited by keeping his hands in it.  He also enjoys studying the bible, playing drums, and enjoying the remaining years he has with his kids at home before they go to college. 

Ryan McLaughlin, Partner, joined Schaaf CPA Group in August 2020. Graduating from Butler University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Ryan brings 9 years of accounting and tax experience to the firm, specializing in dentistry. He lives in Carmel, Indiana with his wife and four children. Besides being an avid Butler Basketball fan, Ryan is the Treasurer of the not-for-profit Clothes With A Cause, located in Carmel.

Candice “Candi” McDonald, Accounting and Payroll Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in 2013. She is a native of Iowa and an alumna of Indiana University. Candi has a background in agriculture, marketing, and currently specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Candi is extremely proficient in all versions of QuickBooks and related accounting systems. She and her husband Steve live between Westfield and Noblesville, are active in their church and enjoy traveling to visit family as often as possible.

Emily L’Huillier, Tax and Accounting Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in January of 2018.  She is a recent graduate from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, while also retains a Biology Associate of Science degree. She is currently striving for her certified public accountant (CPA) designation.  Presently, she specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Emily is from Springfield, Illinois but has delightfully adapted as a Westfield resident. She is fond of exercising, outdoor activities, as well as spending time with family.

Cole Tribbett, Tax and Accounting Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in September of 2020. He is a 2015 graduate from Purdue University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Management. He obtained his certified public accountant (CPA) designation in 2017. He began his public accounting career as an auditor for a national firm, working primarily with manufacturing and not-for-profit clients. He currently specializes in payroll, small business accounting, and income tax. Cole and his wife, Jessica, are both lifelong Westfield residents and have two young children. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and leading Dave Ramsey classes at his church.

Christina Gilbert, Office Manager, joined Schaaf CPA Group in November 2018. She graduated from Purdue University in 1997 with a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition & Fitness. Christina enjoys helping clients and customer service. She and her husband, Jake, live in Westfield with their three sons and enjoy serving the community.  She enjoys traveling and sporting events with her family, exercising, and is a volunteer at her church.

Becky Johnson, Accounting Specialist, joined Schaaf CPA Group in May 2019.  She is a 1999 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Krannert School of Management.  Becky and her husband, Brennen, live in Lafayette, Indiana with their three children. Along with being active in her community, she enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with family.

Cole Riley, Senior Tax and Accounting Advisor joined Schaaf CPA Group in August 2021. He is a 2022 graduate of Indiana University Kokomo with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance and is currently striving for his certified public accountant (CPA) designation. Cole is originally from Kokomo, Indiana and currently lives in Noblesville with his wife, Kaitlyn. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, watching sports, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

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Amy McLellan, Staff Tax and Accounting Advisor joined Schaaf CPA Group in February 2023. She graduated from Covenant College with a BA in Psychology and went on to get her Masters in Counseling. In recent years she has focused on her love for math and helping people with their tax issues. Amy is originally from Kansas City and moved to Indianapolis a few years ago after living in St. Louis, MO for many years. She has four kids and loves spending time with friends and family. In her free time, she likes to exercise, bake, try new restaurants and watch movies. She is active in ministry at her church as a Stephen Minister where she has the opportunity to help people who are going through a difficult time.

Brandon Worrell, Senior Tax and Accounting Advisor joined Schaaf CPA Group in May 2023. He is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Brandon is currently pursuing his CPA designation. Before working here, Brandon worked at another CPA firm, where he assisted individuals and businesses with their tax and accounting needs. Along with experience in public accounting, Brandon has also worked in industry accounting; including landscaping, rental properties, and general construction/maintenance.
He and his wife, Breanna, reside in Marion, Indiana. They are expecting their first son in early summer of 2023. They have two Golden Doodles, Winston and Littles (who they consider their “kids”). In his free time, Brandon enjoys hiking and outdoor activities. Brandon has served in past as Youth Treasurer at his church and is a former Member of the Marion Rotary Group.

David Gaafar, Staff Tax and Accounting Advisor, joined Schaaf CPA Group in November 2023. He is a graduate of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. David is currently pursuing his CPA designation. Before working for Schaaf, David worked for another CPA firm focusing on individual and business tax along with other accounting needs. David also has experience working for a large not-for-profit hospital system covering multiple states.
David recently married his wife Vanessa in September 2023. They have two cats, Finnegan and Nox. In his free time David enjoys golfing, board games, movies, and hanging out with friends.

Garrett Phillips, Intern, joined Schaaf CPA Group in January 2024. He is soon to be a Butler University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Bachelor of Art degree in Music. He plans on finishing his degree and pursuing his CPA designation shortly thereafter. He has lived in Southport, IN his entire life, where he enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and playing music in his band.