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 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.
Chef Krystle Vierra
After relocating from California’s Central Coast to Washington, Krystle joined the Occasions family in 2026, bringing with her more than 17 years of culinary and hospitality experience. Her background includes luxury catering, upscale banquet service, and high-end event execution across a wide range of culinary settings.
Throughout her career, Krystle has had the opportunity to cook for renowned events and brands including Ferrari, Porsche, and Pebble Beach events, creating elevated dining experiences in refined, fast paced environments. Her passion for beautifully crafted cuisine, thoughtful presentation, and memorable guest experiences has shaped her approach to hospitality and culinary artistry.
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Favorite Menu Item: Roasted Broccolini with Lemon Butter
Sous Chef Haylee Bacon
Haylee joined the Occasions family in 2026, bringing over a decade of California coast experience to our Washington team. Having practically grown up in the industry, Haylee stepped into professional kitchens at just 13 years old. That early start allowed her to develop a rare, intuitive instinct for the craft, mastering the complex logistics and high-pressure pacing required for large-scale event catering.
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As a Sous Chef, Haylee brings a modern, creative edge to the kitchen and is a huge believer in the "overall vibe" of an event. She focuses on the intentional details that matter most in catering: bold, consistent flavors and the seamless execution of every menu. For Haylee, it’s about more than just the food, it's about ensuring every guest experience is elevated and every event is memorable.
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Outside the kitchen, Haylee is a creative mixologist and designer with a passion for handcrafted beverages. She is constantly inspired by visual trends and the intersection of flavor, bringing a visionary spirit and a sharp eye for detail to everything she creates.
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Favorite Menu Item: Cavatappi Pasta with Feta Bacon Cream Sauce
Caili Cardinale
Event Staging and Logistics
Bio Coming Soon
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
