Meet The Team
Our dedicated and experienced team of accountants has a strong reputation for providing anxiety reducing and inspiring services. But, we’re so much more than just your typical accountants. Read on and get to know the team!
Michelle Mansfield, CPA, CGA
Partner
michelle@swaincpa.ca
(902) 543-1492
Michelle
Michelle was born and raised in Bridgewater and has spent more than 20 years working in public accounting. A graduate of Acadia University, she received her accounting designation in 2009 and has built her career working closely with small businesses in her community. Many of the clients she works with today have been with her for years, giving her the opportunity to watch their businesses grow and be part of their journey along the way.
Michelle understands that accounting and taxes aren’t what most business owners want to spend their time thinking about. She focuses on making the process clear and manageable, helping clients understand what they need to know so they can feel confident about their finances and get back to doing what they do best.
As Partner at Swain CPA, Michelle brings decades of public accounting experience and a strong understanding of the realities of running a small business. She values the long-term relationships she builds with clients and enjoys being someone they can turn to as their businesses grow and change.
Outside the office, Michelle enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and is a lifelong Disney fan, especially Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse. She also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of her local off-road racing club and spends many weekends at races with her family and racing community.
For Michelle, being part of a local firm means getting to know the people behind the businesses. She’s proud to help small-business owners in her community navigate the numbers with a little more clarity and a lot less stress.
Samantha Crouse-Eldridge, CPA
Partner
(902) 543-5535
Samantha
Samantha joined Swain CPA in 2011 as an accounting technician and has grown with the firm through roles including Relationship Manager and Tax Manager before becoming Partner. Today, she works alongside her co-partner, Michelle, to lead the firm into its next chapter.
Samantha believes good accounting advice starts with listening. She takes the time to understand each client, their business and their goals, then turns complex accounting and tax matters into clear, practical advice. Her goal is for clients to understand the bigger picture and feel confident about the decisions ahead.
She has a particular interest in tax planning for owner-managed businesses and is continuing to deepen her expertise through CPA Canada’s In-Depth Tax Program. Samantha earned her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and received her CPA designation in 2016.
Outside the office, Samantha is active in her community and serves as Board Chair of Small World Learning Centre. She has also coached youth basketball and soccer. At home, you’ll often find her with her family, working in the garden, tackling a house project or being supervised by Pepper, the family cat.
After years of helping small-business owners work toward their goals, Samantha is excited to bring her own experience as a business owner to the clients she works with every day.
John Swain, CPA, CA
Business Development Manager & Coach
john@swaincpa.ca
(902) 334-2547
John
John once lived in Bermuda. For some reason sun and sand just didn’t appeal to him the same way as the cold, harsh, Nova Scotia winters. Despite this quirk John is, last time we checked, perfectly sane. So we’ll have to suppose his love of Bridgewater comes from family ties and long standing community connections. When not pursuing his dream of being the president of an accounting firm founded on the principles of providing anxiety reduction and personalized support for small business owners, he’s cooking, playing old-time rock & roll, and fussing just a little too much over his hair. He also, along with his wife, encourages his two daughters to be the best people they can be through community involvement and charitable giving.
Before hanging his own shingle John worked with excellent companies like Grant Thornton, Bank of Bermuda, and Olympia Capital.
John’s community investment includes being a Committee Member of ‘Christmas on the LaHave’, Past Director Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Director Lunenburg West PC Association, Founding Chair of Lunenburg County Young Professionals Network, Past Director of Finance St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Past Deputy Grand Knight Knights of Columbus, current Board Member with Devour! The Food Film Fest.
Heather
Meet Heather, our Front Office Manager and all-around go-getter!
Heather’s customer service journey began in the UK at TSB Bank, where she found joy in numbers, reconciling transactions, and helping people solve their problems. Since making the jump to Canada, she’s racked up over two decades of experience in customer service, leadership, and executive support across industries like telecommunications, financial planning, and investment banking. Talk about a wealth of experience!
At Swain CPA, Heather is still all about helping clients, and we couldn’t be happier to have her on board. She’s the friendly face that keeps everything running smoothly and always goes the extra mile to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
Outside the office, Heather is embracing her creative side—whether she’s soaking up the beauty of nature, jamming on her ukulele, or belting out tunes with her show chorus. (Spoiler: she’s got some serious vocal chops!)
We’re so grateful for the positivity, energy, and endless smiles Heather brings to both the team and our clients every single day!
While the beach is her place of rest, the office is her place to shine. She’s perfected the art of customer satisfaction and keeps the office in line and running smoothly. She’s the happy and smiling face you see when you first enter the door of our Bridgewater office.
Bryan
Hailing from the laid-back West Coast, Bryan brings over a decade of accounting expertise and a refreshing approach to financial problem-solving.
As a seasoned CPA, CA, Bryan first found his passion for business while steering the ship as a fractional CFO—helping organizations turn numbers into growth.
Now at Swain CPA, Bryan is all about inspiring small businesses to thrive with practical insights and a dash of West Coast charm. When he’s not crunching numbers, Bryan enjoys giving back to the community, spending time with his two kids, and constantly leveling up to be the best version of himself.
Shannon Whynacht
Staff Accountant
shannon@swaincpa.ca
(902) 703-6841
Shannon
Shannon’s passion for numbers started early; in elementary school, she used to take her math work home and do it for fun. That’s probably not something to brag about, but she does anyway. She’s come a long way since then! After graduating with Honors from NSCC with a diploma in Business Administration, she’s gained a decade of experience in accounting and customer service. When she’s not doing math for fun, she’s spending time with her family, going four-wheeling, or tending to her trio of chickens. She may be a CFA (Come From Away), but she’s a Nova Scotia girl, through and through.
Tracey
Tracey has been in the public accounting industry for 20+ years… and she’s seen it all! But, if you really know Tracey then you know that at any given time she could be at a gym, pool or field doing the one thing she loves most – supporting her 3 kids!
Amanda
Meet Amanda Mason, the heart and soul of Swain CPA’s accounting team! Passionate about numbers since 16, Amanda’s vibrant career includes a fascinating chapter building electrical harnesses for airplanes. Hailing from the South Shore of Nova Scotia, she infuses our team with her unique blend of professional savvy and genuine warmth. Outside the office, Amanda is a devoted mom, supporting her daughter’s aspirations with the same dedication she brings to her work. She’s happiest in the tranquility of the woods, by a lake, coffee in one hand and a good book in the other.
Kate
I grew up on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, where I developed a strong appreciation for my home’s tight-knit community and beautiful landscapes. After completing my studies at Nova Scotia Community College earning a diploma in Business Administration, I transitioned into the professional world, beginning my career working in finance before joining the Swain team.