Event Specialist – Dawn Meitz
Dawn Meitz is a highly respected event coordinator at A Spice of Life, specializing in wedding as well as corporate and social event planning. She began her career with Spice in August of 1998, after a 13-year career in event planning at the Boulder Country Club. Dawn is a master-planner and really knows how to make her clients feel at ease. When asked what she loves most about her job, she replied, “I love the people, the locations, and to see the completion of fantastic events.” Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University, and is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, as well as the premier industry group “The Wedding Specialists”. When she is not working, Dawn enjoys skiing, wake boarding, camping, and being outdoors. She is married and has two children, Nicole and Keenan.
Event Specialist – Kathy Vaughan
Kathy Vaughan has been part of the wedding planning industry for over a decade. When she started her own business in 1994, she began exclusively planning weddings. Kathy is a renowned bridal consultant who creates unforgettable occasions. Some of Kathy’s weddings have featured performances by the famous Kenny Loggins and Tony Bennett. Although Kathy continues to expand her personal company, she is excited to contribute her talents to A Spice of Life.
Kathy truly understands the love and romance that goes into a wonderful wedding because she found it at an early age. In her freshmen year of college at the University of Colorado, Kathy met her husband of 41 years, B. Wray. The two have established their lives in Boulder and have four biological children, one adopted child with special needs, and six grandchildren. Kathy is excited to bring her level of expertise and creativity to Spice.
Event Specialist – Preeya Bilanow
Preeya Bilanow started at A Spice of Life on July 5, 2005, as a Sales Assistant and shortly after was promoted to Event Specialist. Her unique name derives from her mother’s Indian heritage and culture, although the true Indian spelling is Priya. Preeya grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan – Cereal City of America, and played volleyball and basketball for a small Division 1 college in Michigan. She finished her schooling at Indiana University of South Bend, where she worked in a fine dining restaurant on the Notre Dame campus. It was there that Preeya discovered the love for food and service that would eventually lead her to A Spice of Life. After traveling in India for several months, she returned home, packed up her life and headed west. She stopped in Boulder and never left. She enjoys vacationing to warm beaches, snowboarding, reading, and going out to dinner with friends.
Controller – Todd Havnes
Todd Havnes started at A Spice of Life in April of 2008 and is an extremely valuable asset to the company. Todd traveled from Tucson, Arizona to seek better opportunities. He is a 1987 graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a BA in Classics, an MS in Accounting, and a PHD in Economics. Todd’s impressive skills help Spice with everyday necessities. His dry humor and practical jokes keep the sales office smiling.
On the weekends, Todd spends time cooking, golfing and playing with his cat, Macy. Although Todd works primarily with numbers, his knowledge of fine wine and cuisine is also an asset to the company.
Event Specialist – Kathryn Matta
Now in her second year with A Spice of Life, Kathryn came to us from Florida where she gained event management and planning experience in the catering industry, while earning her Business Administration degree from the University of Florida. Before moving to the great west for the outdoors and active lifestyle, Kathryn lived in Milan, where she fell in love with all aspects of the Italian lifestyle, especially the cuisine and the people.
“Every event is different from the next. Each client seeks something unique, thus food and décor trends are always changing.” When it comes to planning events, Kathryn enjoys working with the details and ensuring that each event has a personal touch. She also enjoys the variety of events she plans, from social and family gatherings to larger corporate and sporting events. “The success of an event is motivating in itself, but to see the happy expressions and smiles of our clients and guests is the ultimate reward.”
Event Specialist – Katie Mickel
salesassistant@aspiceoflife.com
Katie began her career at A Spice of Life as an off-premise server in May 2009. As a recent graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Katie was eager to use her business and marketing background to move into a career in event planning. After five short months with the company, she was offered a full-time position as the Office and Sales Assistant in our Catering Services office and has recently been promoted again to Event Specialist.
Her enthusiasm for her job is apparent in everything she does, and Katie’s excitement for planning and ease with clients is a true asset to A Spice of Life. She is certain that her love of all things “Spice” will continue to fuel her career in event planning for years to come.