Karla Malone
Owner
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Karla has been a part of the Occasions family since 2006, succeeding the original owner Jennie Hannah in 2012. Over the last 19 years, Karla has assisted with hundreds of events, and still continues to have a passion that helps produce excellent events for all our clients. Karla's background in Interior Design and Graphic Arts have made her a natural in the event industry, and a wonderful resource for our clients. Her favorite part of each event is seeing the joy on a clients face, whether it be a happy newlywed couple or another event planner, when it all comes together and knowing that she and Occasions got to help make their event amazing!
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Her passion for rescue animals brought her rescue dogs as well as her two ducks. Though she has a passion for traveling, she is also just as happy spending her days off in her backyard with kids, family, friends and all the animals.
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Favorite Menu Item: Grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce and the Mashtini bar
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April Dawson
Event Coordinator
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April joined the Occasions family after working as an Event Server throughout her studies at Washington State University (Go Cougs!). She graduated with both a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management, with a focus in Hospitality, Marketing, Event Management, and Wine and Beverage Management. She has worked events ranging from corporate meetings, weddings, wine pairing dinners, and art exhibits. April has a true passion for events and brings joyful hospitality to each.
In her free time, she enjoys going to local events and trying new restaurants, and often scrapbooks while listening to a good album or playlist.
Favorite menu item: Cougar Gold mac and cheese (of course), and the bruschetta.
Mackenzie Quinn
Event Coordinator
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Mackenzie joined the Occasions family with a strong background in event planning, education, and theatre. She has been in the events industry since 2022, planning and executing large-scale programs, coordinating teams and timelines, and ensuring a welcoming, well-paced experience for guests.
With extensive experience in theatre and education, Mackenzie approaches event planning much like a live production, balancing logistics behind the scenes while keeping the guest experience at the forefront. Her background in performance and teaching has sharpened her skills in communication, adaptability, and anticipating the needs of both clients and teams in real time. She thrives in environments where creativity and precision meet, and where every detail contributes to a cohesive final experience.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending live performances, sewing, and reading a good romantasy book.
Favorite Menu Item: Bourbon Brown Sugar Drizzled Chicken and Deviled Eggs.
Jessica Lacy
Head Chef
Chef Jessica joined the Occasions family after moving to Washington from Hampton, Virginia. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Virginia, Chef Jessica has worked in the culinary industry for over a decade. Growing up in her family-owned bait and tackle shop Jessica began her training, and a life-long interest, in seafood butchery and cookery.
When Chef is not in the kitchen working on an amazing new recipe, she likes to spend time with her family and her dog; exploring her new home of Washington.
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Favorite menu items are the Cougar Gold mac and cheese and the Kahlua pulled pork sliders.
Ryan Anderson
General Manager
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Ryan joined the Occasions family after moving to Washington from the Twin Cities. A trained chef, Ryan attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2012, and since then has worked almost exclusively in catering, working with award-winning chefs. During his culinary career, Ryan has served in all manner of event spaces; from food trucks to private homes to thousand-person event spaces. He also has had the honor to serve the former First Lady of the United States, three U.S. Senators, two Mayors, as well as professional athletes and coaches. Ryan spends his time taking in all the amazing sights, events and restaurants of his new home in the Pacific Northwest with his partner, Jennifer.
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Favorite menu item: Sauteed chicken breast with white wine and herb cream sauce, and cavatappi pasta with rose' sauce.
