About

Rian Peonio, EA

Managing Partner

With over 20 years of experience in the tax resolution industry, Rian is a highly experienced Enrolled Agent and part owner of Timberline Tax Group. Holding a degree in Organizational Management from Colorado State University, he is an active member of both the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the Colorado Society of Enrolled Agents (CoSEA).

As a leader at Timberline, Rian drives the firm’s strategic vision and operations, ensuring the team provides effective, personalized solutions for clients. His focus on leadership and business management plays a crucial role in the firm’s success and its ability to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Travis Thompson, EA

Managing Partner

Travis Thompson is an Enrolled Agent with over 17 years of experience helping individuals and businesses tackle their tax challenges. In 2016, he co-founded Timberline Tax Group, teaming up with his business partner to provide personalized, expert solutions to clients facing complex tax issues.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran with a Business Management degree, Travis is committed to professional development and delivering top-notch service. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including mountain biking and snowboarding, as well as experimenting with home horticulture.

Travis is passionate about achieving the best outcomes for his clients, offering expert representation, and providing peace of mind through every step of the process.

Audrey Smeester

Executive Assistant

Audrey joined the Timberline Tax Group team in 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence. She holds a B.A. in Business from Drake University in her home state of Iowa. Audrey’s professional background spans many years of leadership in entrepreneurial-style companies, including successfully running her own business.

As Executive Assistant, Audrey plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and creating a positive and collaborative environment. Her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and commitment to excellence support the continued success of Timberline Tax Group and its clients.

Adam Holleran, EA

Services Manager

Adam specializes in complex tax controversies and currently services in excess of $165 million of unpaid tax liabilities. He works with his clients to form a client-specific and uniquely tailored strategy to achieve optimal results. Adam’s experience extends to the following areas:

• Civil Penalty Assessment Defense
• Payroll tax liability negotiation
• Representing clients in Collections Due Process Hearings
• Successful negotiation of structured settlements
• Negotiating manageable payment plans for taxpayers

Whether a taxpayer owes $10 million or $10,000, Adam will advocate for his client and apply all relevant and applicable law to achieve the best result for his clients.

Sam Noshirvan, EA

Senior Associate

Sam Noshirvan has over a decade of experience representing businesses, individuals, and government entities in complex IRS disputes. With a Master’s in Taxation, he brings deep expertise in the evolving tax code.

Sam takes a holistic, proactive approach—reviewing past filings, analyzing earnings trends, and scrutinizing IRS procedural history to protect overlooked taxpayer rights. His ability to think beyond conventional strategies allows him to uncover solutions others miss.

Beyond resolving immediate tax issues, Sam focuses on strategic entity restructuring and minimizing taxable obligations. Committed to long-term financial success, he empowers clients through informed tax planning. His guiding philosophy as quoted from Ronald Reagan: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.’”

Galen Faris, EA

Senior Associate

Originally from Colorado, Galen served six years in the US Navy before returning to the state and earning a B.A. in Economics from CU Boulder. He has worked on a wide variety of tax resolution cases since 2013, and has expertise in:

• Corporate and small-business payroll tax
• Responsible person assessments
• Business restructuring for ideal tax treatment
• Audit defense and reconsideration
• Negotiation of affordable payment agreements
• Formal negotiations with federal appeals

Galen understands that all clients’ situations are unique and takes strides to ensure any resolution is tailored to their specific needs.

Tyler Reeves, EA

Senior Associate

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Tyler earned his B.S. in Finance and Economics from the University of Alabama and his J.D. from the University of Mississippi. He began his career in criminal defense, honing high-stakes negotiation skills that now serve him in tax resolution.
With over 10 years of experience, Tyler specializes in:

• Offer in Compromise & Installment Agreements – Negotiating settlements and payment plans.
• Payroll Tax Liabilities – Resolving IRS and state payroll tax issues.
• Business Restructuring – Optimizing tax efficiency.
• Appeals Representation – Defending clients in IRS hearings.
• Penalty Abatement – Securing relief for eligible taxpayers.

Joe Stroup, EA

Senior Associate

Joseph graduated from CU Boulder in 2011 with a degree in Economics and has over 14 years of experience in tax resolution. He has represented over 3,500 individuals and businesses nationwide, managing over $500 million in IRS and state tax liabilities. In the past two years alone, he has saved clients over $3 million.

As a highly skilled Enrolled Agent, Joe specializes in:
• Audits & Appeals – Handling audits, reconsiderations, and appeals.
• Payroll Tax & Civil Penalties – Resolving assessments and disputes.
• IRS Collections & Negotiations – Securing favorable resolutions.
• Seizure & Asset Protection – Preventing IRS asset seizures.

Joe takes an aggressive yet strategic approach to every case, prioritizing his clients’ best interests.

Margaux Hill, EA

Senior Associate

Margaux is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and holds a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Cincinnati. Since 2016, she has worked in tax-related fields, including a significant role as a Revenue Officer for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this capacity, Margaux managed complex tax cases, including collections, audits, and enforcement actions, gaining a deep understanding of IRS procedures.

She is also skilled in utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to gather critical taxpayer data and specializes in reviewing tax returns and ensuring balance accuracy. Margaux has experience working with state audits as well, further expanding her expertise in tax compliance. Her comprehensive knowledge allows her to effectively guide clients through the resolution of their tax challenges.

Brooke Hubbard, EA

Senior Associate

Brooke, a Chicago native, graduated law school in 2016 with a specialization in Business and Transactional Law. Licensed in Colorado, she became an Enrolled Agent and has spent nearly a decade representing clients in complex tax cases. Her expertise in Tax Resolution includes:

• Prevailing in Trust Fund Appeals, Offer in Compromise Settlements, and Penalty Abatements.
• Saving clients millions through strategic analysis of IRS laws and deadlines.
• Negotiating tailored Installment Agreements.
• Securing releases of levies and wage garnishments.
• Defending against IRS and state asset seizures.

A meticulous advocate, Brooke is committed to reducing clients’ stress and achieving the best outcomes in tax disputes.

Erik Nilsen, EA

Senior Associate

Erik is a dedicated Enrolled Agent who holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from the University of North Florida and a Master of Science (MSc) in International Marketing from the prestigious Universitat De Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. With years of experience as a Real Estate Broker in both Florida and Colorado, Erik gained valuable insight into how the complex tax code can significantly impact the financial health of his clients and self-employed colleagues.

Motivated by these firsthand experiences, Erik decided to focus on helping individuals navigate the intricacies of tax laws. He uses his strong negotiation skills and meticulous attention to detail to advocate on behalf of his clients, ensuring they are well-represented before taxing authorities. Erik is committed to staying current with the latest tax laws and regulations, regularly attending continuing education courses to provide his clients with the highest level of expertise and service.

Blake Fisher

Learning & Development Coordinator

In addition to her role as an Assistant Case Manager, Blake is the Learning & Development Coordinator at Timberline. She combines her passion for education with her growing interest in tax resolution to further our employees’ growth as professionals. Blake prioritizes our company’s values of Ethics, Efficiency, Education, and Empathy while both training new employees and supporting the development of our current team.

With 12 years of experience in instructional design and curriculum writing, Blake is committed to partnering with employees as their careers advance at Timberline.