About our Southern California Team
Southern California blends coastal beauty, creative energy, and desert landscapes into a destination where iconic experiences and effortless outdoor living come together.
Shaped by its connection to the Pacific Ocean, favorable climate, and spirit of exploration, Southern California has long attracted creators, innovators, and travelers from around the world. From Hollywood’s global influence to its celebrated beach communities, wellness culture, and diverse landscapes, the region offers a unique balance of creativity, recreation, and discovery.
With multiple international airports and convenient regional access, Southern California allows groups to combine coastal experiences, cultural exploration, wellness retreats, and desert escapes across San Diego, Orange County, and Palm Springs.
Southern California Team Leads
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Sara’s experience in the event and destination industry spans 20+ years with a background in corporate, incentive and social events. She's devoted to her work and loves bringing people together through the joy of food, entertainment, and decor. Her career began in the heart of Orange County at Disneyland and took her all the way to Tokyo Disneyland where she fell in love with the people and culture. This passion for all things Japanese is still a huge part of her life. She also admits to a major obsession with studying maps and searching for new adventures.
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Kelly’s passion for planning memorable experiences has taken her to South Florida, Washington D.C., and San Diego where she’s lived with her pups since 2018. A lifelong learner, she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Meeting & Event Management and never misses and opportunity to grow her industry knowledge. When she isn’t at an event, you can find Kelly at Coronado’s Dog Beach, curled up with a good book, or traveling the globe absorbing different cultures and cuisine. She prides herself on knowing the latest and greatest spots in her city and every place she visits.
Senior Account Manager, Palm Springs
MichelleS@
TerramarDMC.com
Michelle Stansfield,
CPCE
Geraldine Gracidas
Regional Director of
Operations, US
Geraldine@
TerramarDMC.com
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Geraldine was born in Mexico and raised in an environment filled with love, tradition, discipline, and lots of relatives! Festivities focused on food and beverage were a significant part of her upbringing, and she learned the importance of being a great host and making guests feel welcome at a young age. In 2012, Geraldine moved to Los Cabos and joined the Terramar team to do what she does best. Her experience, passion and attention to detail have helped her build strong relationships with both clients and colleagues. An avid TV, movie and music lover, she enjoys traveling the world, has a goal of learning German, and is incredibly proud of her Mexican heritage.
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Michelle has a wealth of experience in the meeting and events industry, with over 20 years of working in Colorado, Central Oregon, and Palm Springs. Her journey began after obtaining a bachelor’s in Hotel & Restaurant Management and an associate's in Culinary Arts, and it didn’t’ take long before she discovered her true passion in creating events. Michelle and her family moved to Palm Springs in 2008 and have called it home ever since. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and going to Firebird Hockey games with her family, as well as taking her twins to concerts.
Director of Operations,
Southern California
Lupita@
TerramarDMC.com
Account Manager
Stephanie@
TerramarDMC.com
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Stephanie is a native San Diegan with a positive attitude and warm smile. She studied Hospitality & Event Management and is fluent in Spanish. Working in both weddings and corporate events helped her discover her passion for the corporate side of the hospitality world. An enthusiastic foodie, she loves all aspects of the local scene – cultural dishes shared with friends, pop-up dining experiences, and trendy restaurants. A self-described perfectionist, she's driven to achieve her clients' goals.
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Lupita Portillo was born in México and loves to travel as much as she loves food. Growing up in a family of MDs, discipline, responsibility, and organization were just some of the values she learned from her parents. Her passion for tourism led her to Baja Sur (her favorite place on Earth) where she joined Terramar in 2010. Lupita is detailed, customer service-oriented, and always strives to exceed client expectations. Fluent in English and Spanish, her goals include learning Italian and traveling to see the Northern Lights.
Sales & Operations
Coordinator
Taylor@
TerramarDMC.com
Danielle Cheverton
Taylor Green
Event Operations
Coordinator
Danielle@
TerramarDMC.com
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Taylor has spent a decade in the event industry supporting corporate, non-profit and social clients. Her experiences are wide-ranging, from rentals, operations, and scheduling to sales, coordination, and planning. Her career began just out of college managing décor for large weddings in Orange County. Looking for a change of scenery, Taylor and her husband moved to Seattle, where she joined a team of corporate event planners that “brought the fun” and learned how to be a successful planner. In 2020, Taylor and her family took advantage of the opportunity to move back home to SoCal. She enjoys traveling with her family, trying new foods and experiencing the fun and adventure life has to offer!
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Danielle discovered her passion for creating memorable experiences in 2016 when she began her career in catering and event rentals. Now, she thrives in destination management, bringing experiences to life with precision and creativity. Her strong client relationships, eye for detail, and hands-on approach help her guide impactful events from concept to execution. A lifelong resident of Orange County, Danielle spends her free time outdoors – riding dirt bikes and jet skis with her longtime boyfriend, camping, and frequent trips to the river. She’s also an avid gardener, a lover of Greek mythology, and spends too much money on cowboy boots.
Senior Account Manager, Orange County
Sara@
TerramarDMC.com
Kelly Truitt,
CMP, DMCP, M.S.
Sara Parrell
Director of Sales,
Southern California
Kelly@
TerramarDMC.com