Meet the Team

Christi Knoll

As one of the owners and CEO, Christi`s oversight of all operations is an integral part of the companies` success. She has insight into all areas of real estate, property management, and HOA management.

She can see the big picture and how each working part is affected by the other. She also works closely with each department on day-to-day operations. 

Christi was born and raised in the Corpus Christi area. Her husband Charlie and their two children, Caleb and Carter, have enthusiasm for fitness and well-being, they also enjoy fishing and competitive skeet shooting and spending time with their extended family. 

Charlie Knoll

Charlie is also an owner of Padre Escapes. His honesty and understanding of the local real estate and vacation rental markets is second to none and he is readily available to all property owners, both current and potential.

In addition to his role in Padre Escapes, Charlie has been a licensed Realtor/Broker for 20 years. His focus on customer service, communication, and unwavering honesty are the characteristics that were built into Padre Escapes from day one. He`s served on several boards including a term as Chairman of the Board of the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors.

Charlie is native to the area. He and his wife, Christi, are raising their two sons, Caleb and Carter, just over the bridge in Flour Bluff. The values Charlie exudes everyday are being instilled in their boys.

Terry Cox

Terry is the owner who set it all in motion. Terry has a storied real estate career of over 35 years on Padre Island. He is well-known for his honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination. These morals are the foundation that Padre Escapes was built-on.

Terry is involved in most every aspect of Padre Escapes, but he spends much of his time at El Constante, or the laundry facility which he and his wife Phyllis have been responsible for developing over the years. 

His passion and drive for the business is only surpassed by his passion for his family. In his spare time, you`ll find Terry and his wife enjoying time with their family, especially their four grandchildren. Terry and Phyllis are both very active members in their local church as well. 

Sage Viator

You`ve heard of a "Jack of all traits"? Well, we have a "Sage of all traits"! Sage has been with Padre Escapes since 2014. He is a man of many talents. He started out stocking laundry, then after working his way into reservations, he was promoted to front desk manager, and now he is the Director of Owner and Guest Services.

Sage has been trained by some of the best in the business, but he continues to expand his knowledge by attending seminars and visiting other vacation rental facilities. 

In his spare time Sage can be found traveling the dirt paths, rocky roads, beaches, or anything that he can crawl over in his Jeep. 

Emily Flores

Emily, a Rio Grande Valley native, moved to the Gulf Coast and has been with the Padre Escapes team since 2017. As the Director of Marketing, she oversees all aspects of marketing, including social media, email campaigns, content creation, and brand strategy.

With a degree in advertising and a strong hospitality background, Emily combines her creativity, positive energy, and infectious laughter to ensure every guest has a memorable stay. She loves sharing what makes Corpus Christi amazing, spreading the vibrant spirit of the area wherever she goes.

Outside the office, you’ll find her fending off her overly curious cat, Oliver, who is convinced she’s always hiding food and checks every drawer just to be sure.

Savannah Mcgrath

Ever met someone who just brings solutions and is willing to help out in any capacity? That`s Savannah! She`s been a part of the Padre Escapes Team since May of 2017. Her dedication to doing the right thing and her forth right manner have made her an asset to Padre Escapes. Will Savannah tell it like it is? 100% and we love that about her! She has been a part of the reservations team and worked in the HOA department for Surfside Condominiums. 

She is now our Director of Operations managing all systems and processes that we use every single day. 

When Savannah`s not working you can find her spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Remi.

Jason Cox

Stuff happens, right? And when it does, you need someone to fix it, like yesterday! Meet Jason. 

Jason has been running our inhouse maintenance department since we created an in house maintenance department in 2015, but he`s no stranger to the maintenance field. His career began over 25 years ago working for an area builder before going on to run his own maintenance company and finally coming onboard to run the maintenance department for us.

Jason has built an extremely versatile maintenance crew. Ask Jason if they can fix it, and you know the saying about a bear in the woods? That`s what he`ll tell you. There`s not much they can`t do - 24/7. 

 When he`s not manning his crew and making things right for our guests, he enjoys spending time with his wife and their pets, working on the family land with his nephews, and traveling.

Melissa Pendergrass

Melissa`s first day on the job was the Monday after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in the Coastal Bend in 2017. Talk about hitting the ground running! Melissa began in our HOA department and moved to El Constante Condominiums taking care of the HOA and overseeing four phases of construction with Terry. 

Melissa oversees the HOA and owners for El Constante Condominiums as well as maintenance coordination for all Padre Escape properties.

When Melissa`s not managing the day to day operations for El Constante, she`s enjoying her family and daughters, Peyton, Bri and Madison! 

Melyssa Robledo

Melyssa Robledo is our dedicated Maintenance Coordinator at Padre Escapes. Originally born in Houston, TX, Melyssa has called Corpus Christi home for the last 13 years. She shares her home with her husband, Ben, and their adopted cat, Ree-Ree. Melyssa enjoys backyard bonfires, stargazing, and spending quality time with her family.

With 15 years of experience in hospitality, Melyssa has progressed from being a waitress to various roles in customer service and management, including as a Front Desk & Reservations Manager at a local condominium complex. Her strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and great sense of humor make her a valued team member.

In her free time, Melyssa loves crocheting, thrifting, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Whether she’s baking or whipping up a hearty soup, she’s always excited to try new flavors and ingredients. Currently, she’s binge-watching Bloodline and never travels without her headphones or sunglasses.

Stephanie Eckert

Stephanie Eckert brings energy, enthusiasm, and a solution-focused mindset to her role as Maintenance Coordinator at Padre Escapes. A proud 2013 graduate of Angelo State University, Stephanie began her professional journey as a teacher, following in her father’s footsteps, before transitioning to property management in 2021.

Since joining Padre Escapes in December 2023, Stephanie has worked diligently to maintain properties in pristine condition and ensure a seamless experience for both guests and homeowners.

When she’s not coordinating maintenance, Stephanie enjoys paddleboarding, solving puzzles, and exploring the many culinary gems the island has to offer. A proud condo owner at Aruba Bay Resort, she’s fully embraced her island home and is always ready to dive into new challenges with creativity and optimism.

Favorite beach activity? Soaking up the sun and the sound of the waves, of course!

Tricia Rouse

Good things come to those who wait, right? Well, the was the case with Tricia. We approached Tricia a couple of times over the years before she made the move to Padre Escapes in 2018.  

Tricia takes care of our owner`s accounting and payroll for our employees and many other accounting functions. 

Tricia is a Corpus Christi native. When Tricia isn`t handling the numbers for us, she and her husband Bill are living their best lives out on the lake.

Jeremy Clayton

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.

After an adventurous hiatus consulting in uncharted territories, Jeremy is back, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a refreshed perspective to our team.

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. Welcome back, Jeremy!

Heather Whichard

Heather’s background spans 17 years in Hospitality and 9 in Operations Management, experience that shapes her steady, thoughtful approach as Office Admin and Onboarding Specialist. For the past 5 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.

 Heather is known for her strong organizational skills, her commitment to following systems and procedures, and her ability to adapt as the company grows and evolves. What she finds most rewarding is the team she works with – a group built on mutual trust, shared experience, and a genuine commitment to learning and growing together.

 Though originally from out of state, Heather fell in love with Corpus Christi 6 years ago and now calls it home. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, soaking up the coastal views, and catching the warmth of Texas sunrises and sunsets.

Misty Cox

Misty Cox is a key part of the Marketing Team, known for her creativity, tech skills, and all-around enthusiasm. She’s our go-to for anything social media or IT-related—always ready to jump in and solve a problem with a smile. When she’s not creating eye-catching content or keeping our systems running smoothly, you’ll likely find her walking the beach or capturing stunning drone footage with her husband, Jason. Misty’s love for animals is just as big as her personality—she has quite the crew at home!  

Lisa Walker

Meet Lisa Walker, our dedicated Laundry Operations Manager and a true Corpus Christi native. Lisa has her finger on the pulse of every departure. With a passion for maintaining the highest standards, she ensures that accurate supplies and linen are provided at each unique property. Lisa has been an integral part of our team for the past three years. 

Beyond her role in the laundry facility, Lisa finds joy in spending quality time with her family especially during Game Nights, fostering strong bonds and creating lasting memories. When it comes to dining, Lisa`s go-to spot on North Padre Island is Doc`s Seafood, where she indulges in the local flavors and fantastic views. 

In her free time, you can find her engrossed in a good book, breaking a sweat at the gym, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Did we say this girl loves the beach? When we have our company beach bonfires, Lisa is the first to RSVP.  Her vibrant personality and commitment to excellence make Lisa a valued member of our team, ensuring that our laundry operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Walter Westerkom

Wes has been a valued part of Padre Escapes for 1.5 years as co-manager of our laundry facility. He thrives on working alongside our team and making every day enjoyable for staff and guests alike. A huge sports fan, Wes loves watching all kinds of games, with a special spot in his heart for the ’90s Chicago Bulls and the Michael Jordan era. When he’s off the clock, you’ll likely find him at the beach or hanging out with his cat, Cookie. A fan of classic sports comedies, his favorite movie is White Men Can’t Jump. Polite, cheerful, and always ready with a laugh, Wes brings energy and humor to everything he does.

Bonnie Roman

Introducing Bonnie, our Director of Housekeeping and Inspections, whose professional expertise is matched only by her love for family, fishing, and Sunday football. With years of hands-on experience in housekeeping and a meticulous eye for detail, Bonnie has built a strong foundation that guides her leadership of our housekeeping and inspections teams. Her commitment to cleanliness, consistency, and guest satisfaction is evident in every property she oversees.

Outside of work, Bonnie’s heart belongs to the open waters. She’s an avid fishing enthusiast with a special love for reeling in redfish.

Bonnie’s pride and joy extend far beyond her professional achievements to her six children and four grandchildren. Family is at the center of who she is, and her warm, nurturing spirit shines both at home and in her interactions with guests and staff. When she’s not ensuring our properties look their best or spending time with her loved ones, you’ll find Bonnie cheering on her favorite football team—the Dallas Cowboys.

Malisa Moore

Malisa, also known as Blue, is one of our Directors of Housekeeping and Inspections and has been a key part of Padre Escapes for four years. With a strong background in customer service and management, she brings organization, leadership, and a team-first mindset to her role. Her dedication ensures our housekeeping and inspection teams deliver the consistency and quality our guests count on.

Originally from Colorado, Blue moved to Corpus Christi in 2014 and quickly traded city life for coastal living. She loves long sunrise walks on the beach and spending time outdoors with her two kids, ages 10 and 8. Whether they’re exploring trails or relaxing in the sand, Blue’s favorite place to visit is Oso Bay, where her family enjoys staying active and connected with nature.

Erica Hernandez

Erica has been a key member of the Padre Escapes cleaning team for four years, bringing dedication and attention to detail to every property she touches. With a background in customer service, she knows the value of a job well done and believes that being an early bird ensures each property looks top-notch for guests. A true go-getter and team player, Erica’s energy and commitment shine through in her work.

When she’s not at work, Erica enjoys gardening, big trucks, and fast cars. Her favorite place is the comfort of her bed at home, cuddled up with her Lab, Honey, and her Bully, Hercules. She loves watching classic TV comedies and family shows, from I Love Lucy to The Munsters. Erica’s passion for her work and her upbeat spirit make every property shine for our guests.

Stephanie Simmons

Stephanie has been an essential member of the Padre Escapes housekeeping team for two years. With a background in customer service, she loves that her job keeps her fit and active while giving her the satisfaction of a perfectly clean property. A Dallas Cowboys superfan—even during her three years living in Germany—Stephanie’s energy and dedication are unmatched. When she’s not getting properties ready for the next vacation, she can be spotted shopping at T.J. Maxx or relaxing at home watching The Real Housewives. One word to describe Stephanie: self-motivated. We’re grateful to have this go-getter on our team! 

Noelvis Mora

Noelvis has been a valued member of our housekeeping team for 1.5 years. With a background in gastronomy, she brings attention to detail and care to every property they clean. What she enjoys most about their work is… well, everything! Noelvis recently became a US citizen and she absolutely enjoys being apart of the team.

When she's not keeping our properties spotless, she loves dancing, watching Turkish soap operas, and learning English. Known for being sociable, Noelvis enjoys connecting with others and bringing positive energy to the team.

Yuriel Rios

Yuriel has been a key member of our housekeeping team for 1.5 years. With a background in economics, he approaches every task with focus and dedication, making sure every property is spotless. When asked what  he enjoys most about his work-- his response was everything!

Outside of work, Yuriel is committed to learning English and enjoys reading fiction. Known for being serious and dependable, he brings a professional and positive attitude to the team every day. We are very grateful to have him on the team!

Ryan Simon

Ryan is not just a maintenance technician; he`s Jason`s partner in crime and our very own MacGyver. We are fortunate to have Ryan as a key member of our maintenance dream team since 2017. 

Guests and staff alike can rely on Ryan not only to address maintenance challenges, but also to do so with a smile, some humor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. 

What truly sets Ryan apart is not just his technical skills, but his clever wit and modesty. No matter how complex the issue, Ryan manages to lighten the mood with a quick-witted remark, leaving both guests and staff impressed. His humility is a testament to his character, as he consistently downplays his remarkable abilities, preferring to let his work speak for itself.

Christopher `CJ` Motes

Meet CJ, our dedicated Maintenance Technician who brings both technical expertise and a passion for creativity to our team. This man is a work order machine...30 work orders and two hours to until check in...no problem! With a proven track record and a stellar reputation, CJ has earned 5-star Google reviews for his exceptional skills and commitment to excellence.

When CJ is not rushing in his van to fix a problem, he is quite the Beef Jerky Aficionado. CJ`s beef jerky is not just a snack; it`s a culinary experience that reflects his commitment to quality in all aspects of life.

CJ is not only a skilled technician, but also a talented musician. He dedicates his spare hours to playing in a band, where his musical talents shine. Whether he`s strumming a guitar, keeping the rhythm on the drums, or showcasing his vocal prowess, CJ`s passion for music adds a vibrant dimension to his personality.

We are proud to have him as an integral part of our team since 2020, contributing to the success and positive reputation of our company.

Craig Bocan

Craig has been part of the Padre Escapes team for two years, keeping our properties in top shape with his dedication and hard work. He enjoys that his job keeps him active and allows him to spend time outdoors—two things he values most.

When he’s not on the job, Craig loves traveling, cooking, catching a good college football game, or heading to the beach for some bay fishing. He’s also a proud dog dad to his pup, Oasis. His favorite book is The Life Recovery Bible, and he never gets tired of watching NCIS or It’s a Wonderful Life. Around here, we’d describe Craig as a true “good hand”—reliable, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand.

Hunter Calderon

Hunter has been with Padre Escapes for a year and a half, starting out as an inspector before moving into maintenance. While he’s still building his maintenance experience, he’s learning from the best and is proud to contribute wherever he can. He’s known for being helpful, reliable, and always tackling any task with a smile. His positive attitude makes him a pleasure to work with and a valued member of the team.

Outside of work, Hunter is continuing his education in instrumentation, enjoys watching football, and can often be found playing pool at Eddie’s Tavern. He brings upbeat energy to the team that makes work more enjoyable for everyone.

Jeremy Tienda

Jeremy joined the Padre Escapes team six months ago, bringing over six years of experience in home remodeling and contracting. He enjoys the variety his role offers—no two days are ever the same, which keeps things interesting and makes the workday fly by.

As the second oldest of eight siblings, Jeremy knows the value of teamwork and staying adaptable. Outside of work, he enjoys drawing, catching live music, and spending time with his three kids—who keep him busy with their many sports activities. He’s also a proud pet dad to two dogs and three reptiles. When he does get a quiet moment, you’ll likely find him watching a good comedy or reruns of The Office. Jeremy's ambition and eagerness to take on new challenges make him a great asset to our team. 

Zachary `Zakk` Bartlett

Meet Zakk, a member of our Guest Services Team! Hailing from the small-town charm of Beeville, TX, Zakk found his island paradise and has been a proud Corpus Christi resident for 8 years. 

When Zakk isn`t Escaping to Padre Island, he spends his time mastering escape rooms. Zakk is a proud parent to two fur babies: his Chihuahua Gracie and Chiweenie Gordon. Beyond inspecting our properties and conquering escape rooms, Zakk is a gaming guru. Video games, card games, and building Lego masterpieces keep his creative juices flowing. You`ll often catch him exploring virtual worlds or strategizing his next move in a card game showdown. Essential travel item for Zakk? Earbuds! Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, right?

 Zakk`s strengths are his reliability and tech savviness.  He speaks the language of gadgets. And that eye for detail? Spotless, like an expertly solved escape room. We are lucky to have had Zakk on our team for 4 years now and we won`t let him escape. 

Destiny Arrendondo

As an inspector, Destiny takes pride in making sure the condo you love is spotless and ready for an amazing stay. She loves knowing that her work helps families feel comfortable and happy during their vacations. When she’s not ensuring everything shines, Destiny enjoys running and playing football. A true homebody at heart, she believes there’s no place like home—except maybe a perfectly clean condo by the coast! One word to describe Destiny? Spectacular. You can’t help but notice when she walks into a room—her energy and smile brighten the entire workplace (but don’t tell her that, it might go straight to her head!).

Andrea Cantu-Samperi

Andrea has been a valued member of our Guest Services team for nearly two years, bringing more than three years of hospitality experience to her role. She’s driven by one thing above all: improving the guest experience. Whether she’s making sure a property is guest-ready or jumping in to help her teammates, Andrea takes pride in helping guests feel genuinely cared for. When she’s not at work, you’ll probably find her unwinding in a library or tucked into a cozy corner of a coffee shop. Her favorite local spot is Bien Merité bakery, and her favorite library is the Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library on the Southside of Corpus Christi—just a quick trip over the causeway from North Padre Island.

Now for the fun part: Andrea owns over 200 snow globes. She doesn’t think that’s worth mentioning… but we absolutely do. (Seriously, where does she even keep all of them?) She also shares her home with her dog, Pickles, who adds plenty of comic relief to her days.

If Andrea had to describe herself in one word, she chose “satisfied,” which feels perfectly on brand for someone who keeps things calm, steady, and running smoothly—even with 200 tiny winter wonderlands at home.

Brayden Dietz

Brayden is our Director of Reservations at Padre Escapes. He’s been part of the team for a year and will be graduating this December with a Bachelor’s in Marketing from TAMUCC. He enjoys that no two days are the same and loves being part of a team focused on keeping guests happy. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Brayden believes every day should end with good food and fresh air. His camera roll is full of sunset shots and photos of his cat, Juno. When he’s not fishing at the jetties or Red Dot Pier, you can find him hanging out at Executive Surf Club or catching an NBA game. Brayden’s easygoing nature helps create a sense of balance and ease that makes the workplace feel its best.

Amber Sanchez

Amber Sanchez, a Corpus Christi native, now works remotely in San Antonio as a reservationist with Padre Escapes. She brings her signature positive energy to every call, and we all miss her huge smile in the office! When she’s not working, she’s busy keeping up with her two fun-loving sons, ages 6 and 9—or unwinding with a good romcom.

Arianna Martinez

Arianna Martinez has been part of the Padre Escapes team for four years, contributing her talents across several departments—but she’s truly found her passion in creating memorable stays for our guests as a reservationist. She’s known for her hand-painted acrylic signs that add a personal touch to birthday and anniversary celebrations.

Her teammates describe Ari as helpful, fun, and easygoing. When she’s not brightening guests’ days, you can find her singing in her church choir on Sundays, watching Grey’s Anatomy, cheering on her 6-year-old daughter Alaia at T-ball, or spending time with her cat Winnie and dog Mia.

Matthew O'Toole

Matt has been with Padre Escapes for six months as a reservationist, bringing a passion for helping guests plan the perfect vacation. With 17 years of banking experience, he knows how to provide professional, attentive service while enjoying the beautiful surroundings where others come to relax.

Fun facts about Matt: he’s been playing electric guitar for 29 years, loves listening to music, spending time with his kids, or catching a movie at his favorite spot, Alamo Drafthouse. His go-to adventure? The Lord of the Rings trilogy—whether reading the books or watching the movies. Grateful to live near the beach and enjoy the island lifestyle every day, Matt brings positivity and dedication to our team, and we’re lucky to have him!

Gracelyn Caudle

Gracelyn is the newest member of our reservationist team, bringing a warm, helpful energy to every guest interaction. With two years of experience as a receptionist, she’s a fast learner who loves helping people plan their perfect escape. When she’s not at work, Gracelyn enjoys baking, reading, and spending time at the beach—her favorite fishing spot is Red Dot. A true animal lover, she shares her home with three dogs and two cats, and you’ll often find her bingeing The Great British Baking Show. Gracelyn's cheerful personality makes her a joy to work with and for our guests. We are grateful to have her on our team!