Meet Our Casino Hosts

Tara Kleaver

Tara graduated from Montclair State University in New Jersey with a B.A. in English; she has over 6 years experience as a Casino Host. Tara started in the casino industry in 2004 at Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ; she relocated to Las Vegas in July 2007 and joined the Monte Carlo team in December 2010. Tara enjoys going out to dinner, traveling and reading.

Catherine Heng

Catherine has been a Las Vegas resident for 27 years. Catherine began her career in Marketing with The Mirage after graduating from UNLV in 2000 with a B.S. in Business Administration Management. In 2006, she was promoted to Executive Slot Host and transferred to Monte Carlo where she absolutely enjoys the daily challenges of being a Host. She loves the job, the people she works with and above all, the guests that she hosts every single day. During her down time, Catherine loves to shop, travel and spend time with her family.

Brandon Whitney

A native of the great state of Indiana, Brandon Whitney attended Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for Business Management. Brandon began his career with MGM MIRAGE in 2001 as a Casino Host at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Prior to joining MGM MIRAGE, Brandon acquired his knowledge as a Casino Host at Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas. Brandon has an impressive background in the hospitality and service industry working for great companies including Marriot, Hilton Hotels and Avis.

Kurt Zeppenfeld

Kurt Zeppenfeld has worked as a Casino Marketing Executive with Monte Carlo since December 2006 and has been an employee of MGM MIRAGE since 1990. Kurt is proud to be a Diversity Champion and a Commander in the Naval Reserve who was recalled to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He brings to the Monte Carlo team the belief that each customer has great value and is strongly convinced that every guest should leave Monte Carlo as if they were the most important guest on the property.

Temeka Colbert

Temeka’s family moved from Shreveport, LA to Las Vegas when she was 5 years old. She has over 8 years casino marketing experience; she started her casino career in 2002, and has recently joined the Monte Carlo team. One of the things Temeka loves about her career is the opportunity to meet and interact with so many different people. She considers herself a native of Las Vegas, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends and she loves to read.

Richard Kozlowski

Rick graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Actuarial Science. He started his career in the gaming industry working on the riverboats outside Chicago in 1993. He has recently obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University. In 2008, Rick and his wife Heather decided to move to Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world. Rick says the best thing about being a Casino Host is being able to make a difference in a guests gaming experience. His hobbies include, golf, tennis, poker, racquetball, and anything "University of Illinois". His most recent poker accomplishment was making the final table at event #1 of the 2011 World Series of Poker, finishing 6th in a field of 850 participants.

Omar Villanueva

Omar was born and raised in Las Vegas NV. He started at the Monte Carlo when he was 18 years old in the mail room. Recently Omar was awarded the Employee of the Year for 2010. He has over 10 years of casino marketing experience with the Monte Carlo. One of his favorite things about his job is building relationships with his guest. His hobbies include spending time with his family, working out, playing just about any sport, and watching NFL football. The Monte Carlo has been his home for 15 years and everyday still feels brand new!