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The entrance of The Cloister at Sea Island
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  • 95 Faces for 95 Years

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Meet our Team

Brenda Hernandez-Harris

Sous Chef, River Bar
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, I’d tell her not to be afraid to aim higher. Take a chance on yourself, you will achieve more than you think is possible.
I collect turtle figurines. I have quite a few of them now!
My favorite Sea Island tradition is the Fourth of July banana split. The camaraderie it takes to put that event together, it’s fantastic.

Najla Muhammad

Housekeeping Supervisor
My favorite Sea Island memory is getting soaked by all the water guns during the Fourth of July parade. All the children are having such a joyful time, it’s fabulous.
Something my friends may not know about me is that I love plants. I enjoy learning about them and like to understand what makes them all different. However, I do not have a green thumb – I can’t keep a plant alive to save my life.
My favorite part of Sea Island University is the access to growth opportunities.

Yamil Ortega

Sales Experience Consultant
My favorite hobby is going to the beach with my friends and family. It’s one of the best things about living in this area and I never take it for granted.
One piece of advice I wish I could give to my younger self would be to practice loving yourself more. No one will ever love you more than the love you should have for yourself.
If I could go back in time for one day, I would spend it with my grandfather. He was such a great person, I would love to spend one more day with him.

Sheneque Fields

Housekeeping Supervisor
One of the best things about working at Sea Island is the atmosphere and being able to work right next to the beach. There is no better place to be.
My favorite Sea Island memory is working the G8 Summit! It made me feel so important to be part of something so respected.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to enjoy your youth more. Time is the one thing you can’t get back.

Dusty Brown

Digital Marketing and Communications Manager
My favorite Sea Island tradition is the Fourth of July. From the flag raising to the parade to taps at twilight, it is Americana at its finest.
If I could go back in time for one day, it would be the day that I started at Sea Island when I was on the Junior Staff program. It really set the course for my future.
One piece of advice that I would give to my younger self would be to ask the question. Don’t be afraid to speak up, the worst thing they can say is, “no.”

Kevin Benton

Houseperson, Cloister Housekeeping
I joined Sea Island in 1992 and originally was part of the golf team. I later moved to housekeeping at The Cloister.
My teammates would describe me as a very versatile team member, which I think has allowed me to wear many hats and grow while working at Sea Island.
If I could give one piece of advice to any new team member, it would be to remain productive. There is always something that can be done.

Fidel Castillo

Superintendent, Ocean Forest Golf Club
My fellow team members would describe me as being “all business.” I think it’s because of my strong work ethic.
I am proud of the dedication I have shown at Sea Island, it has allowed me to complete everything I put my mind to.
An interesting fact about me is I have a straightforward personality. I think it makes me very honest and direct.

Guy Trapani

Market Attendant, The Market at Sea Island
During the G-8 Summit in 2004, I had the opportunity to serve wine to President Bush! It’s one of my favorite memories from that event.
When the Market opened, I was part of the original team that brought it to life. I’ve been there ever since.
A fun fact about me is that I am a certified sommelier and have a particular fondness for a good Burgundy.

Amanda Todd

Turndown Attendant, Cloister Housekeeping
A fun fact about me, I still live on the same farm that my parents bought when I was about 11. We had a cow, a pig, and some chickens – but I was never a fan of feeding the animals.
I have spent almost my entire Sea Island career as a Turndown Attendant in the Sea Island Beach Club. My teammates describe me as the “Queen of the Beach Club.”
Something my friends may not know about me is that I am a very frugal person!

Michael Thomas

General Services Engineer
A fun fact about me is that I was born here in town and just never left!
My two daughters are the biggest joys of my life – one even works here at Sea Island.
Some of my favorite hobbies include basketball and enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Dana Mason

Development and Capital Projects Manager
Something my friends may not know about me; I am a huge UGA fan!
I would consider myself to be a ‘jack of all trades.’ I’ve always loved figuring out how things work or researching a solution.
Fellow team members describe me as a person who always tries to help members, guests, and team members whenever possible. I think that’s a great honor.

Theo Lismore

Maintenance Foreman, Landscape
A fun fact about me is that I am originally from Brunswick. I went to Glynn Academy and played football there.
I’ve worked in the landscaping department for 25 years and I’ve been with my partner, Kimberly, for the same length of time.
A fun fact about me – I’m fast! Which really helped me when I played football.

Trace Helfrich

Server, Ocean Forest Golf Club
One of my favorite hobbies is gardening. It’s so relaxing.
A fun fact about my time at Sea Island, I met my future husband, John, while working here. John worked at the old corn barn, and I was part of the group that opened The Lodge. We met and the rest is history.
I love to sing – and would do so while working. If you ever hear someone singing around the property, that’s probably me!

Marcia Gross

Server, Banquets
People say I transform any room with my positive energy, attitude, sense of humor, and joy of life.
Some of my favorite memories involve kayaking and bike riding with my friend, and fellow team member, Mike.
When people ask me why I have stayed at Sea Island for so long, I think the answer is simple. I tell them, “This is my place, this is my family, I love being with people and loving on them all.”

Earline Griffin

Breakfast Server, Tavola
I try to live by this motto, “don’t wait, go out and get it.” It was something my mother instilled in me and it’s stuck with me ever since.
One of my favorite pastimes is to read. I especially like mystery novels and autobiographies. My favorite autobiography is of Luther Vandross.
A fun fact about my time at Sea Island is that I literally followed in the footsteps of my mother – who also worked as a breakfast server here.

Ronnie Green

Doorperson, Cloister Guest Services
A fun fact about my time with Sea Island, my father worked here and we often worked together in the Club Room. We would set up the bars and then later break down the room.
A hidden talent of mine, I love playing basketball. I almost made it into the big leagues when I was younger.
I believe the best way to spend a day is with some quiet time at home, surrounded by my grandkids and other family members.

Karen Green

Market Attendant, The Market at Sea Island
A not-so-secret talent of mine is my sense of humor. I love to laugh and make people laugh.
Something my friends may not know about me; my family is quite large – I am one of 13! And many of my brothers and sisters worked at Sea Island.
A fun fact about my time with Sea Island, I started here in 1983 as an 18-year-old. I worked as a ‘passer’ and my main job was to pass our bread service.

Tim Corbitt

Butcher, Tavola Kitchen
A fun fact about me, I am also a Minister. Religion and faith play a very important role in my life.
My wife, Sharon, and I have been blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren!
I believe my home, and career, are truly in the hospitality industry. Over the years, I’ve worked in many different departments at Sea Island and couldn’t be happier with that journey.

Tod Carlise

I started my Sea Island career as an office supply delivery person, I was referred to the company by a member of the purchasing department.
A fun fact about me, I know every Ocean Forest member by name… and each of their cars!
Something my friends may not know about me – I love pitching in whenever anyone needs my help. I recently earned a chef’s hat while helping in the kitchen during an event at Ocean Forest.

Randy Buffington

Golf Services Manager, Sea Island Golf Club
I am the proud father of Bryson, my son, who is a Dean’s List sophomore studying Finance at Georgia Southern University. He is already making plans to attend graduate school.
Working at Sea Island is a bit like a family business for me because my younger brother worked here for a few years with me.
Some of my Sea Island teammates call me “Genie,” because I seemingly know all. Not only can I recognize repeat members and guests – I usually can identify their golf bags as well!

Chris Bilskie

Outside Services Supervisor, Ocean Forest Golf Club
Some of my favorite pastimes include hunting, taking cruises, and riding my mountain bike.
I love having the opportunity to fly with my Dad, he is a pilot.
A fun fact about my time at Sea Island, I started at The Lodge and worked there for 10 years before I moved over to the Ocean Forest team.

Frances Betuel

Retail Coordinator
A talent of mine is that I am extremely well-organized! Sometimes, the retail team asks me to help organize their stores because I have a reputation for getting things neat and orderly.
A fun fact about my time here at Sea Island, I can easily remember my original hire date – 8/8/88.
Not so surprisingly, my favorite pastime is shopping. I love searching for bargains!

Paul "Eddie" Baker

Irrigation Tech, Retreat Golf Maintenance
A fun fact about my time here at Sea Island, I have always worked on the irrigation team! It’s a trade I learned from my father.
Something my friends may not know about me is that I am a veteran. I have very fond memories of the care packages my teammates from Sea Island sent to me during deployment.
I have been married to my wife, Liz, for 19 years.

Earnest Armstrong

Driver, Transportation
Something my friends may not know about me is that I grew up right here on St. Simons Island.
I am a retired veteran, having served 22 years in the army and spent over 10 of those years overseas.
A fun fact about my time at Sea Island, I have spent almost 25 years working in the transportation department.

Billy Copelan

Director of Revenue Management
Something my friends may not know about me is that I have attended over 360 UGA football games!
My favorite memory from Sea Island is the time I played The Grinch during our Grinch-themed Christmas at Sea Island in 2015. It was so much fun to see the surprise and delight of the children and even many adults.
What I like best about working at Sea Island is that we are all one, big extended family. I would have never guessed that I would spend my entire career at Sea Island and be able to work alongside both of my daughters.

Lamar Harden

Senior Coordinator, Property Services
One of my prized possessions is my bass guitar, given to me by my Nashville Singer/Songwriter son, Justen Harden. This was a surprise Father’s Day gift, and I can now play alongside him when he is in town.
Some of my friends may not know that this is my 21st year as a cancer survivor. All thanks to the cancer screening from my bloodwork at the Annual Sea Island Health Fair. Because of that early detection, I am cancer-free!
If I could go back in time for a day, I would go back to February 2, 1990. This is the day my wife, Janet, and I got married. Truly a great day to enjoy again and again!

Jarmon Nobles, Sr.

Housekeeping Supervisor
Something that my friends may not know about me is that I am a single father with custody of all my children. It’s something I am very proud of and a huge part of my life.
One of my favorite parts about working at Sea Island is being able to meet individuals from different parts of the world. I love learning about their culture and traditions.
I collect Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta Falcons apparel. You should see my closet!

Sammy Nedlouf

Starter/Ranger, The Lodge Golf Shop
Something my friends may not know about me is that I regularly participate in The Bridge Run, which takes place on the 7,780-foot Sidney Lanier Bridge.
I collect languages and am known as a Polyglot. I speak several different languages including Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Italian, and German.
I’m a father to two beautiful girls that I adopted from my birth country, Morocco.

Sophia Mustre

International Recruiter
If there is one piece of advice I could give my younger self, it would be to have more understanding that everything comes at the right time. There is no need to rush into anything or feel pressured over time, it all happens when it is supposed to happen.
I collect coffee mugs from every place I visit. I feel like it’s an excellent way to remember the unique places I have traveled to.
My favorite thing about Sea Island University is the instructors. They are so gracious with their knowledge and really take the time to help you grow into a hospitality professional.

John Galliher

Quality Inspection Supervisor
My favorite thing about Sea Island is the people. Being a newer member of the team, everyone throughout the company has made my transition from a lifetime of military service to being a member of the Sea Island family so smooth and easy.
My favorite movie is, ‘The Field of Dreams’ because it teaches us that no matter what is going on around you, you should always do what you feel is right and what your heart is telling you to do.
My hidden talent is cooking! As a military veteran, I learned cooking from all my travels and now have a very global palette.

Kelly Cranford

Sales and Information Center Manager
If I could go back in time for a day, I would return to The Cloister’s opening night in October 1928. I adore the story of this night and can’t imagine how incredible it was to be there.
One of my favorite parts of Sea Island University is the ‘Skill Benchmark’ test. It provides you with a customized path to the vast learnings that are available and makes starting the process less overwhelming.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to be open to every opportunity that lands at your feet. Say “yes” more often than “no.”

Angel Wiggs

Food Purchasing Manager
Something I am very proud of is my education. I have a degree in the Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. My current job is the perfect combination of both those skills.
A fun fact about me is that while I was going to school and working, I was also serving in the Army Reserves.
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to surround yourself with individuals that you admire and those that inspire you to be your best self. Stay focused and always do what’s best for you not what’s best for others.

Laura Taylor

Team Member Cafe Manager
The day I was inducted into the ‘Quarter Century Club’ is my favorite Sea Island memory. Attending that dinner was one of the best moments of my life – aside from the day I gave birth to my children, of course.
My favorite type of music is gospel. It really speaks to me and my values as a person. Gospel music soothes my soul.
If there is one piece of advice I could give my younger self, it would be to have more patience. Life is a long adventure, take your time with it.
craig allan golf performance center director

Craig Allen

Golf Performance Center Director and Club Fitter
A fun fact about me is I received my initial Club Fitting in South Africa and am now certified at the highest level with all major club companies’ fitting systems.
My favorite hobby is following the Atlanta Braves and the University of Alabama athletics. Roll Tide!
Something my friends may not know about me is I was born in Scotland.
Karen Basurto

Karen Basurto

Chef de Cuisine, Colt & Alison
My most prized possession is my family and my dogs.
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, I would tell her to try and trust her instincts more often. If your gut is telling you something, don’t second guess it.
My favorite thing about working at Sea Island is meeting people from around the world. I love learning from them and their culture.

Gerald Lott

Locker Room Supervisor
A fun fact about me is that I play the pedal steel guitar. And, it’s the one of the only instruments that requirement simultaneous coordination of both hands, both feet, and both knees!
My most prized possession is my late mother’s washboard. I have so many memories of her with it, she would play the washboard every week in church.
While working at Sea Island, I have had the opportunity to meet two generations of Gerald’s, as I am the second generation of three Gerald’s.

Sarah Main

Director of Lodge Food and Beverage
My favorite movie is Remember the Titans. It reminds me that even through the most challenging of times, unity can happen and prevail.
I have a hidden talent of repurposing almost anything. I love finding ways to breathe new life into an older item and give it even more use.
If I could relive one day, it would be my wedding day. My most prized possession is my grandmother’s diamond ring.

Enior Coronado

Chef de Partie, Tavola
Something my friends may not know about me is that my favorite dish to eat is grilled octopus.
The best part about working at Sea Island is the opportunity to experience hospitality at its highest level. Once you work in a resort like this, you never want to go back.
My favorite Sea Island tradition is our New Year’s Eve celebration. You can feel how excited everybody is and that energy is contagious. I also love seeing the fireworks – in that moment you realized all the hard work that was put into the whole year was worth it every second.

Mehalia Borders

Security Officer

Mahalia started her Sea Island career in 1994 within the Food and Beverage department. In 2001, Mahalia transferred to Security and today serves as a Security Officer for the Ocean Forest gatehouse.

My favorite memory from my time at Sea Island is when we hosted the G8 Summit. There was such great camaraderie among every team member, and we all felt proud to be a part of something so special.
Some advice I would give to my younger self is to laugh more often and take time to get to know yourself more authentically.
My hidden talent is interior design and crafting. I love getting lost in the art of creating things, it’s really my happy place.

Kyle Thigpen-Hicks

Associate Director of Revenue Management

Kyle began his Sea Island career in 2013 as a Front Desk Agent at The Cloister. Since then, he has progressed through various roles and, today, serves as the Associate Director of Revenue.

Something my friends may not know about me is that I am the state record holder for the largest Tripletail caught with 38 pounds 14 ounces. This is also a world record for a 50 pound test fishing line.
What I like best about working at Sea Island is that I have an extremely supportive leadership team that believes in my growth and is open to hearing new ideas on how to improve processes. I also enjoy that I can teach and grow my team.
My favorite Sea Island memory is the first day that I walked into The Cloister for work. I remember being in awe of the architecture and how welcoming everyone was. I knew at that moment that I was somewhere truly special.

Dawn Eversley

Cottage Rentals Front Office Manager
Dawn started her Sea Island career in 2014 and supported the organization in several leadership roles over the years in Housekeeping. After completing the Leadership Foundations course, she became the Front Office Manager for Cottage Rentals, which is the position that she enjoys each and every day.
My favorite part of Sea Island University is our Leadership Foundations course. It was the best training I’ve ever attended and I really learned a lot about myself and it helped me boost my leadership confidence.
One of my favorite hobbies is spending time on the water. I feel so fortunate to live in an area that has such wonderful access to many different types of waterways.
My most prize possessions are my grandchildren, Kingston and India
Chef Natasha Zeal

Chef Natasha Zeal

Chef de Partie

Upon graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Natasha’s passion for pastries led her to a series of roles at Sea Island, including her current position as Pastry Sous Chef at The Lodge.

My secret hidden talent is that I am a great organizer. There is something about a well-organized closet that just makes me happy.
My favorite hobby is baking with my children. My family means everything to me, so spending time together is where I am happiest.
I collect sneakers and shoes. I also love anything with snow leopard print.

Kevin Benton

Houseperson

After starting as a Greensperson on the golf courses, Kevin became a Houseperson and worked in several different locations at Sea Island.

One of my favorite memories is going to the top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We took the monorail up and could see seven states from the top of the mountain.
My favorite hobby is traveling. My mom and I would take road trips together when I was younger. Sometimes it wasn’t even about the destination, we just enjoyed the journey on the road.
My favorite musician is Prince. In fact, for my 50th birthday, my wife threw me a surprise Prince-themed party. I had a purple blazer on, so that worked out well.
Kelsey Blake

Kelsey Blake

Assistant Director of The Spa at Sea Island

Kelsey began her career at Sea Island in 2017 as a Spa Coordinator and now serves as Assistant Director.

My favorite hobby is gardening because I love learning about different plants. After tending my garden, I lay in my hammock and enjoy the view.
Something my friends may not know about me is that I love to clean, which is good because my house is filled with two dogs and four kids. I probably vacuum and dust more than normal.
My most prized possession is my Great Dane; I just love her. Don’t tell my other pets I said that.

Diamond Wright

Laundry Assistant Manager

Diamond started her Sea Island career in 2003, as a Snack Bar Attendant at The Lodge. Today, she serves as an Assistant Manager in our Laundry department.

If I could go back in time for one day, I would choose the day my son was born. He has made my life so much more meaningful. I couldn’t imagine a day without him.
My favorite movie is ‘The Little Mermaid,’ because, in my mind, I will always be a princess.
The one piece of advice I could give to my younger self is that your future is going to turn out so much better than you could have imagined!

David Trejos

Maintenance Mechanic III

David began his Sea Island career as a Painter but quickly realized that his true interest was on the Maintenance team, where he has worked since 2004.

Something my friends may not know about me is that I am the oldest of nine children. We are all 14-16 months apart, so we grew up as a very close family.
My hidden talent is building and painting custom furniture. I grew up in Colombia, South America, and spent my younger years as a carpenter in my town.
My most prized possession is my family. I thank God for giving me my two daughters, my grandson, and my beautiful wife.