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

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.

Emily Paul

Maintenance Coordinator

Meet Emily! Emily Paul joined our Port A Escapes family in May 2026, and we're so happy to have her on the team! As one of our Maintenance Coordinators, Emily helps keep her properties in great shape by coordinating repairs, handling maintenance requests, and making sure everything is ready for our owners and guests.

When she's not taking care of her properties, Emily loves getting away to the Texas Hill Country with her four-legged travel buddy, Schatzi!

JD Hagin

Maintenance Superintendent

Hey JD! JD Hagin joined the Port A Escapes maintenance team in March 2026 and has enjoyed every minute of it! Since then, he's worked his way up to Maintenance Superintendent, keeping our maintenance team on track, making sure repairs get handled, and our properties stay in great shape. JD is a self-proclaimed workaholic, but as we like to say, is it really work if you love what you do?

And when he's not managing our maintenance team? You'll probably find him working on a maintenance project for someone else. Apparently, taking a day off just isn't his thing!

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.

Kayla Havelka

Director of Accounting

Meet Kayla! As our Director of Accounting, Kayla Havelka is the OG of our accounting department, keeping payroll and the books for multiple companies running smoothly behind the scenes. We like to say it's always good to be friends with Kayla… while Bossman likes to joke that she has a problem with spending money.

When she's not keeping the numbers in line, Kayla enjoys island life and traveling with her daughter.

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. 

Rigo Pena

Laundry Supervisor

Meet Rigo! Rigo Pena joined the Port A Escapes team in May 2026 as our Laundry Supervisor, helping keep our linens fresh, clean, and ready for every guest. But there's more to Rigo than laundry! A four-sport athlete in high school, he even went on to play minor league baseball for an independent club in New York City.

These days, Rigo enjoys discovering new-to-him restaurants and hidden local gems. For him, trying a new place to eat isn't just about the food—it's a fun way to explore and learn more about the place he calls home!

Sage Viator

Laundry & Inspections

Savannah McGrath

Operations

Jaeden Carroll

Maintenance

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.

Randall Brewer

Maintenance

Lorenzo Lopez

Laundry Team

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.