Meet the Instructors

Helen O'Planick

Helen O’Planick has been a taxing individual all her life.  The owner of HELJAN Associates, LLC, she has been making life less taxing for her community for over 35 years.   A former ETAAC member, she has also served NAEA, PA-NAEA, NATP and PA-NATP as a volunteer and as a board member.

She is proudest of her husband, Jim and their children Toni and Jason along with their spouses and dearly loves her two grandsons Brooks and Cooper.  She enjoys gardening as well as canning and preserving food for her family and friends.

Helen has been a professional speaker for over 25 years, speaking from small groups to groups of over 300 at the IRS Tax Forums.  She loves being at VA-NATP and have been here the last five years.  This is the most fitting place to announce her retirement from teaching professional development to other taxing individuals.  She loves it, but it is time for the youngsters to get into the game!   

Felecia Dixson, EA, CTRC, ATA

Felecia G. Dixson, EA, CTRC, ATA, began her tax career at age 17 as a Corporate and Partnership Tax Examiner with the Indiana Department of Revenue. Throughout her 40-year career, she built and sold a successful tax practice, served in government, became a partner in a Missouri CPA firm, and founded Dixson Tax Resolution Services LLC. Felecia specializes in tax controversy, representation, and military family tax matters. She is an accomplished author, trainer, and speaker for organizations including NATP, NAEA, ASTPS, and Tax Rep Network. Her engaging presentations combine deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and relatable insights that empower tax professionals to serve their clients confidently.
 

Latia Rowland

Latia Rowland is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and owner of Majestic Consulting in Newport News, VA with 14+ years of experience. Latia possesses a strong background in various areas of accounting, taxation, and auditing. Her expertise extends to auditing, financial statement preparation, tax planning and compliance, bookkeeping, tax resolution, and business advisory services.

Chris Smith

With over 30 years of experience in tax preparation — including 15 years as a seasoned professional — Chris brings expertise and a practical, client-focused approach to every return and consultation. Based in Glen Allen, Virginia, with an office conveniently located in Mechanicsville, Chris specializes in personalized tax preparation and consulting for individuals, families, and small businesses.

Before launching his professional tax practice, Chris spent years as a corporate controller, gaining firsthand insight into financial strategy, compliance, and operations. 

Whether you're planning for the future, sorting through the past, or trying to make sense of the present, Chris offers trustworthy, experienced guidance tailored to your needs.