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!
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.
heather whichard
Office Admins make the world go round! So many of the day to day operations and "big picture" projects just don`t happen without those people behind the scenes making the wheels turn.
That is especially true of Padre Escapes and Heather! She`s been onboarding our new properties since 2020, and she also supports Charlie in his role with Padre Escapes. Heather lends a hand to many departments when they need it.
Heather has over 14 years in Hospitality experience, as well as, 7 years in Operations Management which make her the perfect fit for our Office Admin.
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!
Lucy Siller
Lucy is our Director of Housekeeping, and she joined our team in 2019. We met Lucy over at Surfside and she quickly moved over to the Mothership (home office) and works with Sage and Savannah.
Lucy hires, trains, and oversees all our housekeeping staff and does a great job of it! Housekeeping is definitely one of the tougher departments in our business and Lucy and her team are priceless.
When she`s not running the housekeeping department, she enjoys spending time with her family and cruising in her Challenger.
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.
Bonnie Roman
Introducing Bonnie, our esteemed Lead Inspector, whose professional expertise is matched only by her love for family, fishing, and Sunday football. From her meticulous approach to housekeeping to her attention to detail as a janitor, Bonnie`s diverse experience has laid the foundation for her role as our Lead Inspector on our Guest Services Team. Her commitment to cleanliness and order is evident in every inspection she conducts.
Outside of our properties, Bonnie`s heart belongs to the open waters. She is an avid fan of fishing, with a particular love for reeling in red fish.
Bonnie`s pride and joy extend beyond her professional accomplishments to her six children and four grandchildren. Family is at the core of who she is, and her nurturing spirit is evident both at home and in her interactions with guests and staff. When she`s not inspecting or spending time with family, you can find Bonnie cheering on her favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys.
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.
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.
Skye costley
Introducing Skye Costley, our esteemed Laundry Facility Manager, whose passion for excellence and unique talents have quickly made her an indispensable part of our team.
Beyond the laundry room, Skye`s green thumb takes center stage, as her most cherished activity is gardening. The art of nurturing plants reflects her dedication and attention to detail, qualities that seamlessly translate into her role as a manager. Skye`s strengths lie in her honesty, hard work, and a surprising talent for baking pies that has become legendary in our office. Her delectable creations have won the hearts (and taste buds) of the entire team, making it clear why we are thrilled to have her on board.
Despite having been with us for just one year, Skye`s contributions have left an indelible mark, and we look forward to many more years of growth and success together.
cole dotson
Hailing from the quaint town of Lake Jackson, Texas, Cole brings a down-to-earth Texan charm to his role as a reservationist at Padre Escapes.
Family and friends are at the core of Cole`s world, but his loyalty and warmth extend to his furry companion, Gizmo, a lively Maltese who adds an extra dose of joy to Cole`s daily routine.
When it comes to satisfying his taste buds, Cole`s go-to choice is a Texan classic – Whataburger. Beyond the realm of hospitality, his resume is unique, including work as referee, umpire, countertop installer, HVAC apprentice, ranch hand, and customer service extraordinaire. This rich tapestry of experiences has not only shaped his work ethic but also contributed to his well-rounded and adaptable nature. Cole is also currently pursuing a degree in Finance at TAMUCC.
When he`s not helping guests plan their beach getaways, you`ll likely find Cole engaged in his favorite pastimes fishing and working out. Whether he`s assisting guests in crafting their ideal vacations or casting a line into the Gulf, Cole brings a genuine Texas spirit to every aspect of his life on the coast.
Anna Anneler
Anna Anneler, a Corpus Christi native, once graced the Padre Escapes office with her vibrant energy and now brings that same spark to her remote role from San Antonio. She has two cats, Calypso and Calliope, and is rarely without a book—whether tucked in her bag or queued up on her phone. A lover of surfing, piano, and dancing, Anna cherished her visits to Doc's on North Padre Island, where the ahi tuna dinner was her go-to. She’ll definitely miss those seaside meals!
Known for her reliability and infectious positivity, Anna has made a big impact as the newest reservationist at Padre Escapes. With a deep passion for history—especially Egyptian and Assyrian cultures—she’s pursuing her master's and PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington. When she’s not sharing her love for history, you’ll find her enjoying audiobooks or soaking up the beach vibes when she can. Her favorite book? Interview with the Vampire.