John M. Parsons

John has been helping clients make smart financial and tax decisions for over 25 years. He finds the personal side of business very enjoyable, from discovering his clients’ needs and goals to helping them develop and implement comprehensive plans to achieve what matters most in their lives. John builds relationships on a foundation of mutual understanding and trust, since these are the cornerstones to effective financial planning. To best serve his clients, John has two complementary businesses: Parsons Financial Advisors, and, in partnership with Kevin Andersen, Parsons Andersen CPAs.  

John has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1985, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ since 1992; he also holds a California real estate license and California insurance licenses for life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Spending time with his family and staying active in the community are what drive John in his personal life. He is a member of the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Cabrillo Education Foundation Endowment Committee, the Half Moon Bay Yacht Club, and a long-time coach of youth and high school basketball. John is a life-long learner who avidly enjoys outdoor activities, nature, yoga, playing basketball, and travelling to Hawaii with his wife of over 28 years, Jacqueline.

Kevin enjoys providing personalized tax and accounting services to individuals and small businesses. He has worked with the firm in different capacities since high school, and full-time since 2004. A 1999 Accounting graduate of San Jose State University, Kevin worked for several Silicon Valley start-ups, where he gained experience in advanced accounting, including corporate acquisitions and stock options. Kevin became a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor in 2005, and a Certified Public Accountant in 2009.

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys writing, hiking, playing tennis, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and traveling the world with his wife, Jennifer.

John William Parsons, Financial Advisor / Registered Paraplanner / CA Ins License # 0F81488 / Notary Public

John William began working part-time at Parsons Accounting & Financial Advisors while in junior high school. He joined the firm full-time in 2006, and became a fully licensed Financial Advisor in 2007. John William is experienced in all aspects of the business, with his primary focus on Investment Management and Research & Development.  He is also a Notary Public.

John William is a 2006 graduate of Claremont McKenna College, with a dual degree in Accounting and Psychology, along with a Leadership Sequence. In his free time, John William enjoys cooking, yoga, watching, coaching, and playing basketball, and running on the beach with Muggsy, the office dog.

Cindy Chong, MBA / Enrolled Agent

Cindy joined Parsons as a Tax Accountant in 2008 and became licensed as an Enrolled Agent in 2009. She holds an MBA from the Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, and has over eight years of experience in tax preparation and financial analysis. At Parsons Andersen, Cindy focuses on preparing tax returns, communicating with the IRS and FTB on behalf of clients, and assists clients with tax matters pertaining to everything from domestic partnerships to non-profits.

In her spare time, Cindy loves cooking, home improvement projects, hanging out with her husband and children (she has three young daughters to keep her busy!), and enjoying life on the coast.

Polina Pavlova, Financial Planning Process Coordinator / Insurance Case Specialist / CA Ins License # 0H39200

Polina joined Parsons Financial Advisors in 2009. She works with all aspects of the business, serving as a liaison between John and his investment clients and helping to coordinate the financial planning process. Polina’s primary focus in the business is on protection planning, and she enjoys working with all aspects of life, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Born in Moscow and raised in New York City, Polina moved to Southern California to attend Claremont McKenna College. Upon graduating in 2007 with a degree in Psychology/Government/Leadership, she worked in the Entity Process and Corporate Compliance divisions of a boutique corporate law firm in Los Angeles. In her free time, Polina enjoys reading, writing, exploring the Coastside with Muggsy, and visiting friends and family in New York and L.A.

Ariana Turner, Receptionist / Executive Assistant

Ariana joined Parsons in 2010.  She is a 2009 graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Radio & Television, and worked as a Radio DJ and Music Director while there. Ariana utilizes the communication and technology skills she developed through her education in her front-desk, customer service, executive support, and client contact duties.

Ariana grew up in San Diego and moved to the Bay Area in 2006 to attend school; she currently lives in Pacifica with her partner, Jeff, and their two cats Dixie and Dexter. In her free time, Ariana enjoys painting, photography, attending art shows and concerts, and working in the recording studio with Jeff.

Muggsy H. Smalls, Director of First Impressions

Muggsy joined the Parsons staff in 2010 as the Official Greeter/Head of Security; she also currently serves as the sole member of the Welcome Committee. Muggsy spends her time at the office greeting clients, napping through staff meetings, and “high-fiving” for treats.

Born in Nampa, Idaho in 2009, Muggsy spent the first months of her life frolicking on a farm with her brothers; she relocated to the Bay Area later that year. Outside of work, Muggsy enjoys long walks on the beach, performing tricks, making friends at the dog park, and above all else, eating.