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Meet The Team
Marnie Pate
Partner
Marnie, friendliest face in the office, is our owner. Marnie is a Real Estate Broker and well-respected member of the Port Aransas community for 35 years. Marnie invests her time into her community through volunteer work and by being on the Board of Trustees for the Port Aransas Independent School District and Vice-President of Animal Friends of Port Aransas. She is a pet parent and all-around animal lover. She is also a grandmother of three!
Christi Knoll
Partner
Meet Christi! Christi has been part of the ownership team at Port A Escapes since December 2023 and brings a big-picture perspective to the company’s operations. She has a knack for seeing how each department works together to keep things running smoothly. Around the office we like to joke that Christi “reserves the right to change her mind”—and in a constantly evolving business, that flexibility is a great quality to have.
When she’s not focused on the business, Christi enjoys spending time with her husband Charlie and their boys, Caleb and Carter. As a family, they love fishing, spending time outdoors, and catching a good country concert whenever they can.
Charlie Knoll
Partner
Have you met Charlie? Charlie joined the ownership team at Port A Escapes in December 2023 and brings decades of experience in the local real estate and vacation rental markets. Known for his honesty, sharp insight, and quick wit, Charlie has been a licensed Realtor/Broker with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes for over 23 years.
When he’s not working, Charlie loves spending time outdoors—especially fishing and hunting with his wife, Christi, and their sons, Caleb and Carter. And if you run into him, chances are he’ll have a great story to go along with those adventures.
Terry Cox
Partner
Here's Terry! Terry has been part of Port A Escapes since day one and brings more than 40 years of real estate experience with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes. Affectionately known as “Bossman,” Terry is well known for his honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination.
When he’s not working—though is it really work if you love it?—Terry enjoys spending time with his wife, Phyllis, their kids and grandkids out at the family land, and making sure the laundry department runs like a well-oiled machine.
Nic DeLao
Director of Operations
Here’s Nic! Nic is our Director of Operations and a true team player. Since starting as an inspector in 2022, he’s quickly worked his way through the ranks and is always ready to step in and get the job done—no matter what it takes.
When he’s not keeping operations running smoothly, Nic runs a successful carpet cleaning business and stays active as a fitness enthusiast. He and his fiancé, Maddy, are proud pet parents—and if you ever see a blur of black curls, that’s probably their dog, Sophie.
Elaine Peterson
Director of Owner and Guest Relations
Say Hello to Elaine! Elaine is our Director of Owner and Guest Relations and has been a vital part of the team since joining in 2024. She also serves as a real estate agent and is the President of the GFWC in Ingleside.
When she’s not working, Elaine enjoys spending time with her family and can usually be found with a fresh cup of coffee in hand—she’s one of the office’s biggest coffee enthusiasts. And if you get the chance, ask her for a story—her time working in the state’s capital gave her plenty of great ones to share.
Sarah Biggs
Reservations Manager
Meet Sarah! Sarah B is our Reservations Manager and a valued part of the Port A Escapes family. She started at the front desk in 2014 and has worked her way up over the years with dedication and heart.
Sarah is a proud pet parent to two cats and a very sweet Doberman named Cuda. When she’s off the clock, you’ll find her crocheting projects big and small. She may work remotely, but her big personality is always front and center!
Niki Peterson
Bay Tree Manager
Say Hello to Niki! Niki started out in our Owner and Guest Relations department and now proudly serves as the manager of our Bay Tree office.
When she’s not at work, Niki is a cat mom to Fen and Han and is continuing her education—holding a Bachelor’s in Applied Arts and Sciences while working toward her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling.
Jamie Pineda
Director of Housekeeping
Meet Jamie! Jamie Pineda is the Director of Housekeeping and has been helping keep our properties guest-ready. When she’s not making sure everything is clean and running smoothly, Jamie enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops, going to concerts, and spending time with her two energetic pre-teen boys.
Jeremy Clayton
Revenue Management Specialist
Meet Jeremy Clayton, the man behind the scenes in our Marketing and Pricing Department. A veteran since the beginning, Jeremy is the numbers guy who adds the magic touch to our strategies.
When he`s not decoding marketing mysteries, Jeremy is a true outdoor enthusiast. You`ll often find him hiking trails, exploring nature`s wonders, and creating lifelong memories with his family.
Speaking of family, Jeremy`s world revolves around his lovely wife, Lauren, and their two adventure companions, Cooper and McKinley.
Jeremy believes every data point tells a story, and he has an unparalleled ability to turn those stories into successful marketing strategies.
Heather Whichard
Onboarding Specialist
Heather’s background spans over 17 years in Hospitality and over 9 in Operations Management, experience that shapes her steady, thoughtful approach as Onboarding Specialist. For years, she has played a key role in keeping operations organized – coordinating projects, onboarding new properties, and supporting both the team and property owners through clear communication and follow-through.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, soaking up the coastal views, and catching the warmth of Texas sunrises and sunsets.
Lucy Siller
Housekeeping Assistant
Meet Lucy! Lucy Siller works in our housekeeping department with Jamie, helping keep our properties clean, comfortable, and guest-ready. When she’s not at work, Lucy enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Scooby, and taking drives in her Charger.
Sage Viator
Laundry & Inspections
Savannah McGrath
Operations
Melissa Murphy
Owner & Guest Relations
Melissa is our Senior Reservationist and Social Media Coordinator. Beginning in 2020 as a Reservationist and Front Desk, she has proven herself as a dedicated member of our team. Her coworkers would say she is a fierce and loyal friend. You can always count on her to help. After office hours, Melissa spends her time taking care of her father. She is a writer, artist, and fellow coffee enthusiast.
Sara Mendoza
Reservations
Sara has been a dedicated and valued member of our team since 2020. An avid DIY-er, she’s always ready to take on a new project. She’s also a proud mom of two kids and three fur babies.
Between her love for family and the arts, Sara also has a passion for music—if you walk past her office, you’ll likely hear her radio playing, always tuned to 93.9.
Derek Palmer
Maintenance
Meet Derek! Derek is our HVAC-certified member of the maintenance team and has been a valued part of Padre Escapes since 2022.
A devoted father of three, Derek spends his time outside of work with his family. He and his wife stay busy coaching and supporting their kids in all the sports they’re involved in.
Rudy Garcia
Maintenance
Say Hi to Rudy! Our specialty maintenance man since 2023, Rudy is the one you call when a project needs to get done—because he’ll get it done. From carpentry to painting and everything in between, Rudy is your guy.
When he’s not tackling projects, Rudy enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Angel Larson
Reservations
Here's Angel! Angel has been a valued member of our reservations team since 2023, bringing a warm smile and friendly voice to every guest interaction. She loves helping others and always strives to provide the best experience possible.
Angel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration. When she’s not working, she’s a proud dog mom and enjoys taking drives on the beach with her husband.
Angelica Rodriguez-Mendez
Reservations
Meet Angelica! The first welcoming face you see when entering the Port A Escapes office, Angelica is our Front Desk Reservationist, always ready to greet guests with a smile.
When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find her at one of her kids’ sporting events. In her free time, Angelica enjoys family beach days, relaxing at home with her three kiddos, and diving into a good book—she’s even building her own at-home library.
Randall Brewer
Maintenance
Jaeden Carroll
Maintenance
Say hello to Jaeden! Jaeden Carroll is a Maintenance Technician at Port A Escapes, helping keep our properties in top shape for every guest stay since September 2025.
When he’s not at work, Jaeden enjoys staying active with his son—whether it’s basketball, football, soccer, skateboarding, or surfing.
Lorenzo Lopez
Laundry Supervisor
Here’s Lorenzo! Lorenzo Lopez is our Laundry Supervisor and loader, bringing nearly 8 years of experience to the team. A self-proclaimed perfectionist, he takes pride in making sure every job is done right—no shortcuts.
When he’s off the clock, Lorenzo enjoys watching horror movies and listening to hard rock and heavy metal.
Amanda Carr
Laundry Team
Meet Amanda! Amanda Carr is a valued member of our team, working as a laundry attendant at Port A Escapes for the past 8 years. She helps keep everything fresh, clean, and ready for our guests to enjoy.
When she’s not at work, Amanda enjoys reading, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Cynthia Ayala
Laundry Team
Say hello to Cynthia! Cynthia Ayala is part of our laundry team at Port A Escapes, helping ensure everything is fresh, folded, and guest-ready. Since 2018, she's been a big part of keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
When she’s not at work, Cynthia enjoys taking naps, spending time with her family, catching a movie, and heading out to watch the Hooks play.
Marcus Lowery
Housekeeping Inspector
This is Marcus! Marcus Lowry is part of our inspection team at Port A Escapes, helping ensure every property is ready for guests. An Army Veteran, he brings dedication and precision to the job and enjoys spending his free time with his family.