LAVORATO & DARLING, INC. is built on a proud tradition of service, technical expertise, and innovative thinking. Our staff's experience and academic credentials give our clients the depth of knowledge you'll find in a larger firm, while our dedication to superior customer service offers the personal, one-on-one approach smaller firms are known for. We hope you'll take a few minutes to get acquainted with our staff!

John Lavorato, CPA, Firm Principal John graduated from San Jose State University in 1973 with degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. After working in private industry and passing the CPA exam, John joined the firm in 1978. In 1982, John became a shareholder. His education and training have allowed him to acquire a great deal of expertise in preparing and analyzing financial statements. In addition, he has acquired a large knowledge base in taxation in all areas to include individual, corporate, partnership, estate and trust taxation. On a personal level, he enjoys coaching youth baseball, which he has done on a regular basis for over fifteen years. John also is an active member of the Salinas Kiwanis Club and the Sons of Italy.

Pamela E. Darling, CPA, Firm Principal Pamela Darling has been with the firm since September 1984. Pam received her bachelors degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1975 in liberal arts. After joining the firm in 1984 she returned to school taking accounting courses at San Jose State University. Pam passed the CPA exam in 1988 and became a firm principal in 1991. While at Bailin, Lavorato and Darling, Inc., Pam has had experience in many different areas of the accounting profession to include all aspects of taxation, accounting and financial statement preparation. In addition, she has developed a niche in the business valuation and litigation support area. Pam is a Quickbooks advisor. She is also, knowledgeable in the firm's own accounting software package, Client Bookkeeping Solution. Pam has been very active in the community serving on the Salinas Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Salinas Valley Business Women's Board and as past president, Castroville Rotary Club Board and as past president, The Theatre Arts Council of the Hartnell College Foundation, the League of Women Voters Board of Directors, the Steinbeck Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee and as a volunteer in many other community activities. Pam has recently taken up golf for relaxation and enjoys biking, hiking and quilting.

Cliff Markham Staff Accountant Cliff Markham, Senior Staff Accountant Mr. Markham graduated from California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration - accounting major in May 1975. Mr. Markham passed the CPA exam in 1983. He joined Bailin, Lavorato & Darling, Inc., in October 1996. He has over 25 years experience having worked in the public and private accounting fields since July 1975. Additionally, Mr. Markham has taught accounting courses at the junior college level. "I believe that one of the most important choices for the public to make in today's world is to choose a qualified tax professional and advisor. Among the criteria in making this choice are the degree of professionalism, ethical standards and knowledge of the subject area. We are here to help you."
Diana Lavorato Staff Accountant, CPA Candidate Diana Lavorato, Staff Accountant/CPA Candidate Diana graduated from San Jose State University in the spring of 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Business, concentration in accounting. She is a Salinas native and attended Salinas High School and Hartnell Junior College. Diana started work with the firm in May 2001. She is friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Her current professional goal is to pass the CPA exam and become licensed as a certified public accountant. Diana currently is serving on the Pony Baseball League Board of Directors and on the Salinas Valley Business Women's Network Board of Directors as treasurer. For fun, Diana coaches youth athletics in her spare time.
Steve Diamond Staff Accountant, CPA Candidate
Sandra Harguindeguy Staff Accountant Sandra Harguindeguy, Staff Accountant, Executive Administrative Assistant Sandra joined the firm in December 2005 when the firm purchased the practice of Susan Turner, CPA in Salinas. Sandra worked as Susan Turner's "right-hand" woman for four years. Her experience with Quickbooks and accounting is quickly becoming an invaluable asset to the firm. Sandra was born and raised in the City of Salinas. We are delighted to have her join our group.
Betty Flores Staff Accountant Betty Flores, Staff Accountant Betty started working at Lavorato & Darling, Inc. in the spring of 2008. She has over 30 years experience doing bookkeeping. She is friendly, hardworking and trustworthy. Betty has been married for over 35 years, has five children and five grandchildren. She is active in the community and in her church. When at home, she enjoys crocheting, kniting, bicycling, camping and working on interior design projects.
Francesca Murphy Executive Administrative Assistant Francesca Murphy, Executive Administrative Assistant