KAREN SMILEY
Director of event sales & catering
Karen has many years of experience as a hospitality professional with expertise in event planning, tour and travel, and destination management. Here career started in 1987. Prior to joining Bella Collina in 2012, Karen worked as a National Sales Manager for Destination Management Companies in LA, as a Director of Destination Services and Offsite Catering at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, and as the Director of Catering at Marbella Country Club.
Hometown: San Clemente, California
Favorite Part about this Industry: Creating a successful event for our clients and exceeding their expectations
What is an interesting fact about you? My life in hospitality started when I was 9 yrs old working each summer at my grandmothers Restaurant & Tea House in Nashville Tennessee
Favorite Hobby: Working in my garden and wine tasting
Favorite Place Traveled: Kenya and Tanzania
ALEXIS PETROVICH
director of food & beverage
Alexis joined Bella Collina in 2011 while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of California, Irvine. After graduating, Alexis joined Saddleback College working in Administration for their Honors Program while continuing to be a team member of Bella Collina. Wanting to spend more time with her son, a few years later, Alexis chose to solely work for Bella Collina and we are so grateful to have her!
Hometown: Born in and raised in Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska
Favorite Part of Bella Collina: My Bella Collina Family!
What Drives You: My motivation comes from the desire to be the best at what I do, and to set an example for my son.
Favorite Hobby: Racing motorcycles at the racetrack and playing billiards.
Hidden Talent: I played the cello for ten years, and I have won a few trophies in billiards.
LEONEL VILLAMIL
Executive Chef
Chef Leonel calls himself a modern young Chef, with old school technique and hand-crafted specialties. Prior to joining Bella Collina in 2016, Chef Leonel was the Executive Chef for Farrentellis Dana Point for 7 years and honed his technique at places like St. Regis, Canaletto’s Italian, and Ti Amo in Laguna Beach.
Hometown: Taxco, Mexico
Favorite Thing About Being a Chef: Being creative with ingredients and being able to create new dishes while keeping the integrity of traditions
Favorite Item to Make: Hand crafted pastas and cooking with wood fire grills
Favorite Part of Bella Collina: Interacting with our members and clients and being able to share stories and ideas
Favorite Hobby: Fixing up classic cars and then taking them on road trips
MIA MUNOZ
venue COORDINATOR
Mia joined the Bella Collina team in 2021. With many years of customer service experience, Mia has proven her passion and full dedication to all of her clients. She will go above and beyond to fulfill client satisfaction, meet all expectations, and more. Since 2005, Mia has demonstrated her excellent customer service skills. After graduating FIDM in 2007 with an AA in Fashion Design, Mia knew she wanted to be more involved in a Bride's Wedding Day than just being the Gown Designer. She later took on a role as an assistant for a top Wedding Planning company, Ciao Bella Weddings & Events, in Orange County. Her creative skills, passion for art, and eye for detail has brought her where she is today, a Wedding Planner, Event Coordinator, and Floral Designer.
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Favorite Food: I absolutely love Italian! I never say no to Pasta and I could never live without Pizza. I’m simple when it comes to pizza; give me pepperoni and cheese and I’ll be a happy girl!
Favorite Hobby: In my free time, I love to go for morning beach runs followed by a peaceful moment by the sand just admiring all of nature's beauty- the water, the waves, the sand, the sun. It's just so peaceful! I could get lost there for hours- if I could!
Interesting fact about you: I am Mexican, Peruvian, and Chinese. Yes, I have been to one of the seven wonders, Machu Picchu!! It is incredibly breathtaking. If you haven't been, you must add to your bucket list. I love nature and views of sunsets, sunrises, clouds. I just love art.
Favorite Place Traveled: So far, my favorite place has been Costa Rica. Such a beautiful place! It is so peaceful and everyone there is just SO NICE! I was able to check out the coast, which if you know me, you know I love the water, and I also had the privilege to visit the rainforest with volcano views, greenery, and enjoy the hot springs.