Chef Angel has been with The Lakes since 2011 originally hired as the Sous Chef. Angel was promoted to the Executive Chef in 2016. He fell in love with culinary at a young age watching his grandmother make homemade tortillas. Shortly after high school, he attended the world famous Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA. After attaining his AOS in culinary, he worked in Hollywood’s nightlife restaurant, the Geisha House. He stayed in the L.A. area for five years working for different catering companies then deciding to bring his passion for culinary to the Coachella Valley. Chef Angel has had the honor of working under award winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt at Morgan's of the Desert. His menus are seasonally driven with fresh local ingredients and he loves to cook seasonal modern American food with a Latin twist. His chef belief is that with hard work anything is possible and in the culinary industry there are always new things to learn.

Kellen grew up in Peoria, IL and after high school, he moved to Pasadena, CA to attend Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. After program completion, he began honing his craft at local Old Town Pasadena eateries such as Red White + Bluezz and Noir Food & Wine. Kellen was then given an opportunity to be part of the New York City acclaimed Michelin Star restaurant wd~50 (Ranked 81st, San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants). Here is where Kellen began to master his craft while learning modern techniques under James Beard Award Winning Chef Wylie Dufrense. After cooking on both coasts, Kellen and his wife moved back to his hometown of Peoria where he accepted a Sous Chef position at the Country Club of Peoria. Kellen and his family then relocated to California, where in 2016 Kellen was welcomed to The Lakes. Kellen loves to cook New American cuisine while utilizing seasonal local ingredients. When Kellen isn’t in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

Emilcar "Emi" has been an asset to The Lakes since 2011. He began his hospitality journey in 2005 at Desert Willow working in the food & beverage department. Emi and his team have coordinated and executed various club and Member events. He is dedicated to providing a food & beverage service that exceeds expectations. In his spare time, Emi enjoys spending time with his wife and their little girl.

Lenny joined the team in 2014. Born and raised in Southern California, he broadened his personal and professional horizons by living in North Carolina, Seattle and London. Lenny graduated with honors from UNC Charlotte and taught for several years there before stepping into the tech world with Microsoft’s online division. Feeling the need to have greater impact with people, he entered into hospitality and managed the lounge and snack bar on Amtrak long-haul trains. The pace of life and many sunny days led him to settle down here in the desert. He started as a fine dining server, then was quickly promoted to Dining Room Captain to Catering Supervisor and now F&B Catering Manager, leading the charge for the myriad of club events, including golf, tennis, social and private. He is happily married with three amazing children and a spoiled English Bull Terrier. Lenny plays tennis whenever possible and also enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking.

Araceli has been at The Lakes since 2015. She has a diverse background in the food and beverage industry within the valley, so she fits right in here at The Lakes as the food and beverage Administrative Assistant. Araceli is an avid scrapbooker, enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her three children.