Owner / CEO

I am the Owner / CEO of The Montellano Event Center, but you probably won’t catch me holding any office hours at our building just yet.

In my day job, my spare time, I am an attorney for the Federal Government. I started as an Assistant DA working for Oklahoma County District Attorney Bob Macy in the 1990s. I made my way to the Logan County DAs Office and back to Oklahoma County before being hired at the United States Attorney’s Office. I have loved this work, but always, in the back of my mind . . .

I had always dreamed of building a place where people would gather to celebrate, anything and everything. I wanted it to be spacious and beautiful-- and resemble an Italian villa. So, I started putting my ideas on paper. After many years of planning, talking to investors and different banks, set backs and mountains that needed climbed, then finding the perfect architect… I took a huge leap of faith. With the help of family and friends, The Montellano became a reality and opened its doors in July of 2016.

From day one, anyone who has worked at The Montellano knows that I always insist we go above and beyond to make every event as perfect as it can be. Most often that means listening to the customer! While you have the option of bringing in your own personal vendors, if you leave that part up to us, we are certain you won’t be disappointed in our choices.

This effort of creating am amazing venue and business, has not been without worry and tears, most of which came with COVID,

Through it all, I know it is God who guides me through this journey. I marvel at the people we have met and the lives that we have touched. I will be forever grateful to those who continue to support us along the way.

I hope you will keep us in mind the next time you plan your “perfect event”!

Operations Manager

I have found, there is nothing more fulfilling than working in your family’s business. Before we opened The Montellano, I worked in the dental field for 37 years. In June, of 1979, I had just returned home from our senior trip to South Padre Island. My mother, a dental assistant, called me as they had just fired their office manager and needed help. I had planned to head to OSU in the fall, where my sister was attending. I decided to go help at her office for the summer, and, well, I ended up loving it. It was my calling. I changed course and went to the OU College of Dentistry and received my certification. I worked with my mother for the next 15 years until our dentist retired. We had a ball! I wouldn’t trade those memories with my mother for anything. My mother also retired from dentistry at that time. I then moved on to a new dental office and worked for the next 22 years.

Then one day, my sister Lori, comes to me with plans to build The Montellano. “I’m taking you away from dentistry, I want you to help run the event center.” I knew nothing about hosting a wedding or any other event… I only knew teeth! :) It was a little overwhelming. Well… guess what!? Now, I can plan any event, in less than 2 weeks! And it would be a fabulous event, no doubt.

Working with my family has been an incredible experience. I'm with my daughter every day, sometimes our 3 granddaughters are here helping as well. My husband, Jimmie, is our head of security. He is a retired Fire Chief, from the City of Del City, as well as a retired county sheriff. My father, brother, best friend, and numerous other family members have helped out as well. It's always so rewarding! I will tell you when each event is over, (weddings, class reunions, family reunions, celebrations of life, birthday parties, etc) the client is so happy! They hug us, they give us lovely reviews, and best of all, they become our friends. Many of these clients become return clients as well!

Booking any event at The Montellano Event Center means the world to us. It means the client, our friend, is trusting in us to help make their day special and memorable. We strive for perfection with each event!

General Manager

While my official title is General Manager, there is not a hat here that I do not wear. My mom instilled in me a very hands on work ethic. Combined with my background in customer service, that work ethic helps me to ensure your day is the best that it can be! Whether you are hosting a wedding, corporate or family event, or even a life celebration, I’ll be here with you every step of the way.

I have two degrees that have absolutely nothing to do with hosting events. Ha! I am a firm believer that every experience in life guides and prepares you for your future. My Bachelor’s degree is in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner! My Master’s degree is in Criminal Justice Administration from Oklahoma City University. After graduating college, I married and moved to Norman. My husband, Kris, and I quickly started a family. We currently reside on a few acres in Norman. We have three beautiful daughters, two dogs, three cats (two normal ones and one fabulous beast) and seven chickens. I realized through the years that criminal justice would be too dangerous of a career for the life I was building. So, my path changed. After our second daughter was born, I opened a bridal store in Norman. Within a year of opening, my aunt (Lori, our owner) informed me she was building The Montellano and she was planning for me to sell my store and come run her business. I originally laughed and told her she was crazy, but alas, here I am.

Let me tell you, I am loving every minute of this.

From working every day with my mom, to watching couples start their lives together, to the joy of seeing our small business prosper, this has been an extremely fulfilling experience that I hope to enjoy for many years to come!

If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you.

-Matthew 17:20