Area Operating Partner - Our Support Team
California - San Diego
Helena Evans
Helena has worked for Manna Development since 2007. Since that time, she has held many roles: Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, General Manager, Training General Manager and Regional Training Manager. Helena loves being a part of a company that embodies her own personal values while being able to impact the lives of many both professionally and personally.
Helena is married to her husband Roger of 15 years and counting. Helena and Roger have four amazing kids together - two girls, Taylor and Keona, and two boys, Malakai and Azekeal. When not working, Helena enjoys spending time with the family at the beach, park or just about anywhere outdoors or just hanging out at home watching movies.
Helena has worked for Manna Development since 2007. Since that time, she has held many roles: Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, General Manager, Training General Manager and Regional Training Manager. Helena loves being a part of a company that embodies her own personal values while being able to impact the lives of many both professionally and personally.
Helena is married to her husband Roger of 15 years and counting. Helena and Roger have four amazing kids together - two girls, Taylor and Keona, and two boys, Malakai and Azekeal. When not working, Helena enjoys spending time with the family at the beach, park or just about anywhere outdoors or just hanging out at home watching movies.
Karina Estrada
Karina has worked for Manna since 2006. She started off as an associate at only 16 years old and worked her way up through many positions including Catering Lead, Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager and General Manger. In 2022 Karina was promoted to her current position of District Manger.
She enjoys Manna's family culture and being able to give back to the community through Share the Dough and Change for Children. She has been able to be a part of many events through Share the Dough including the Thanksgiving Day outreach. Being able to serve the community and give back to those in need are why she does what she does.
Outside of work she like to hang out with her children, Eric, who is 12 years old and Ella, 1 year old. Karina loves the beach, traveling and making memories .
Karina has worked for Manna since 2006. She started off as an associate at only 16 years old and worked her way up through many positions including Catering Lead, Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager and General Manger. In 2022 Karina was promoted to her current position of District Manger.
She enjoys Manna's family culture and being able to give back to the community through Share the Dough and Change for Children. She has been able to be a part of many events through Share the Dough including the Thanksgiving Day outreach. Being able to serve the community and give back to those in need are why she does what she does.
Outside of work she like to hang out with her children, Eric, who is 12 years old and Ella, 1 year old. Karina loves the beach, traveling and making memories .
Jonathan Aragon
Jonathan joined Manna Developmemt Group in 2007 as the Otay Bakery-Cafe dining room service associate. Since then, he has climbed the ranks becoming a Trainer, Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, General Manager and TGM. Jonathan has enjoyed working for Manna because of the involvement in our teams development. He said, "there is nothing more rewarding than to see your team member growth and development". He also appreciates working for a company that has values similar to his and that is able to impact the lives of so many in positive ways.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Maritza, and two children, Ruben and Eva. They love sparking their children's imagination and curiosity by taking them to museums, the beach and long trail walks.
Jonathan joined Manna Developmemt Group in 2007 as the Otay Bakery-Cafe dining room service associate. Since then, he has climbed the ranks becoming a Trainer, Shift Supervisor, Assistant Manager, General Manager and TGM. Jonathan has enjoyed working for Manna because of the involvement in our teams development. He said, "there is nothing more rewarding than to see your team member growth and development". He also appreciates working for a company that has values similar to his and that is able to impact the lives of so many in positive ways.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Maritza, and two children, Ruben and Eva. They love sparking their children's imagination and curiosity by taking them to museums, the beach and long trail walks.
California - Orange County
Reza Parshekofteh
Reza started with Panera Bread in March of 2007 and joined Manna Development Team in January of 2009. In the past 7 years Reza has seen the size of his district double from 7 bakery cafés to 14 bakery cafes. Prior to working with Manna Development, Reza held District Manager positions with Au Bon Pain, Johnny Rockets, California Bread as well as working with Corner Bakery. Reza earned a Degree in Civil Engineering from Leeds Polytechnic in Leeds, England.
Reza is married to a beautiful wife, has a daughter in college and a 4 year old son who keeps him on his toes. Reza used to play soccer for his college back in England and still enjoys supporting the Liverpool Football Club, He also loves to travel and visit new places.
Reza started with Panera Bread in March of 2007 and joined Manna Development Team in January of 2009. In the past 7 years Reza has seen the size of his district double from 7 bakery cafés to 14 bakery cafes. Prior to working with Manna Development, Reza held District Manager positions with Au Bon Pain, Johnny Rockets, California Bread as well as working with Corner Bakery. Reza earned a Degree in Civil Engineering from Leeds Polytechnic in Leeds, England.
Reza is married to a beautiful wife, has a daughter in college and a 4 year old son who keeps him on his toes. Reza used to play soccer for his college back in England and still enjoys supporting the Liverpool Football Club, He also loves to travel and visit new places.
California - Los Angeles
Raquel Hernandez
Raquel started with Panera Bread March 10, 2007 and just celebrated 14 years of service with Risen Bread. She was hired by Julio Juarez at the Palmdale café as a morning cashier. In less than a year, she worked her way up to General Manager in the Baywood and after 3 years she transferred to the Golden Valley café and became a Training General Manager. in 2015 Raquel received the General Manager of the year award and had lead her team to 5 platinum audits in a row!
In 2019 Raquel was promoted to District Manager taking part of the Risen Bread Market. Raquel has worked in the food industry since she was 15 years old in her Grandmas restaurant. Her Grandma taught her the importance of serving others!
Raquel started with Panera Bread March 10, 2007 and just celebrated 14 years of service with Risen Bread. She was hired by Julio Juarez at the Palmdale café as a morning cashier. In less than a year, she worked her way up to General Manager in the Baywood and after 3 years she transferred to the Golden Valley café and became a Training General Manager. in 2015 Raquel received the General Manager of the year award and had lead her team to 5 platinum audits in a row!
In 2019 Raquel was promoted to District Manager taking part of the Risen Bread Market. Raquel has worked in the food industry since she was 15 years old in her Grandmas restaurant. Her Grandma taught her the importance of serving others!
Rico Lopez
Rico started with Panera Bread in 2007 and was promoted to Training General Manager in 2009. He was later promoted to his current role as Regional Training Manager in 2011.Rico's first job was as a cashier at Chuck E. Cheese and Rico says, "Yes, I dressed as the mouse a few times." Rico worked as a stockbroker during the dot.com crash and as a real estate agent during the housing bust and he claims to this day that neither situation was his fault. Rico has two younger sisters who along with him, are big Padres, Chargers and Knicks fans.
Rico started with Panera Bread in 2007 and was promoted to Training General Manager in 2009. He was later promoted to his current role as Regional Training Manager in 2011.Rico's first job was as a cashier at Chuck E. Cheese and Rico says, "Yes, I dressed as the mouse a few times." Rico worked as a stockbroker during the dot.com crash and as a real estate agent during the housing bust and he claims to this day that neither situation was his fault. Rico has two younger sisters who along with him, are big Padres, Chargers and Knicks fans.
Michigan
Alex Lindholm
Alex joined the Manna team in January 2006 , initially serving as Training General Manager of the Rivertown Crossings bakery café. Alex was promoted to DIstrict Manager of our Lakeshore district and eventually took over the I-94 district which includes the Michigan City, IN bakery cafe. Alex says his passion is to create and embody a Heart of Service and a Passion for Achievement in himself and his teams. Prior to joining the Manna team, Alex worked in the casual dining food service industry, most extensively as a Training General Manager with TGIFriday’s.
Along with being the proud father of Nicholas, Cassandra, and Katherine, he enjoys both contemplative practices and vigorous outdoor activity.
Alex joined the Manna team in January 2006 , initially serving as Training General Manager of the Rivertown Crossings bakery café. Alex was promoted to DIstrict Manager of our Lakeshore district and eventually took over the I-94 district which includes the Michigan City, IN bakery cafe. Alex says his passion is to create and embody a Heart of Service and a Passion for Achievement in himself and his teams. Prior to joining the Manna team, Alex worked in the casual dining food service industry, most extensively as a Training General Manager with TGIFriday’s.
Along with being the proud father of Nicholas, Cassandra, and Katherine, he enjoys both contemplative practices and vigorous outdoor activity.
Michelle DeLuca
Michelle started with Panera in November of 2010 as a General Manager of our Alpine bakery cafe before becoming the Regional Training Manager for Bread of Life. Now Michelle works as one of our District Managers in the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore area. Prior to Panera, Michelle worked for an Applebee's franchisee for 17 years where she worked as Regional Training Manager for the last eight years that she was with them.
Michelle and her husband Don live in Grandville with their two daughters and their dog Lando. She and her family enjoy spending time on their boat in Grand Haven and out on Lake Michigan. Time with family, traveling and staying healthy are some of the most important things in life to Michelle.
Michelle started with Panera in November of 2010 as a General Manager of our Alpine bakery cafe before becoming the Regional Training Manager for Bread of Life. Now Michelle works as one of our District Managers in the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore area. Prior to Panera, Michelle worked for an Applebee's franchisee for 17 years where she worked as Regional Training Manager for the last eight years that she was with them.
Michelle and her husband Don live in Grandville with their two daughters and their dog Lando. She and her family enjoy spending time on their boat in Grand Haven and out on Lake Michigan. Time with family, traveling and staying healthy are some of the most important things in life to Michelle.
Curtis Pruitt
Curtis started with Panera nearly 10 years ago in our River Town mall café working part-time as an associate while attending Grand Valley State University. He was quickly promoted to a shift manager, and during the next few years worked in multiple cafes in the Grand Rapids area as an Assistant Manager. In 2015, Curtis was promoted to General Manager of our Old Grand Haven bakery-café. Shortly after he worked as a General Manager in Alpine for 2 years. Curtis stepped away from the GM role and worked as an Assistant Manager in Standale, where he helped the cafe achieve training certification. In 2019 Curtis became a GM again and opened our new Grand Haven drive-thru relocation. After a successful opening, the café achieved training certification under his leadership and has been one of our top performers since!
In his free time, Curtis enjoys spending time with his wife Jillian, and their boys Calvin and Coulson. Curtis also enjoys gardening and tending to his 100 Dahlia plants every summer. In the fall, he enjoys following the Detroit Lions and Michigan football, while spending as much time outdoors as possible enjoying the gardens until the first frost.
Curtis started with Panera nearly 10 years ago in our River Town mall café working part-time as an associate while attending Grand Valley State University. He was quickly promoted to a shift manager, and during the next few years worked in multiple cafes in the Grand Rapids area as an Assistant Manager. In 2015, Curtis was promoted to General Manager of our Old Grand Haven bakery-café. Shortly after he worked as a General Manager in Alpine for 2 years. Curtis stepped away from the GM role and worked as an Assistant Manager in Standale, where he helped the cafe achieve training certification. In 2019 Curtis became a GM again and opened our new Grand Haven drive-thru relocation. After a successful opening, the café achieved training certification under his leadership and has been one of our top performers since!
In his free time, Curtis enjoys spending time with his wife Jillian, and their boys Calvin and Coulson. Curtis also enjoys gardening and tending to his 100 Dahlia plants every summer. In the fall, he enjoys following the Detroit Lions and Michigan football, while spending as much time outdoors as possible enjoying the gardens until the first frost.
Nick Meerman
Nick joined the Panera Family August 2011 as an Assistant Manager in the Saint Joseph café. He helped open the Mount Pleasant café in 2012, before being promoted to the GM of Mount Pleasant. He then opened our Big Rapids and Traverse City cafes back-to-back during the fall of 2014. As an Executive GM he helped open or support various cafes in Michigan including DT Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, Saint Joseph and Wyoming. Before his time with Panera, Nick managed various restaurants even starting his own small marketing company. Nick attended Central Michigan University where he studied Business Marketing, Advertising and Sports Management.
In his free time he loves to cook, particularly on the grill, as well as spend time at the beach or in the woods. Nick is a big sports fan, and you can usually find him watching the Detroit Lions or anything Michigan State. Go Green.
Nick joined the Panera Family August 2011 as an Assistant Manager in the Saint Joseph café. He helped open the Mount Pleasant café in 2012, before being promoted to the GM of Mount Pleasant. He then opened our Big Rapids and Traverse City cafes back-to-back during the fall of 2014. As an Executive GM he helped open or support various cafes in Michigan including DT Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, Saint Joseph and Wyoming. Before his time with Panera, Nick managed various restaurants even starting his own small marketing company. Nick attended Central Michigan University where he studied Business Marketing, Advertising and Sports Management.
In his free time he loves to cook, particularly on the grill, as well as spend time at the beach or in the woods. Nick is a big sports fan, and you can usually find him watching the Detroit Lions or anything Michigan State. Go Green.
Oregon/Washington
Craig Nall
Stevie Calvert
Stevie began working with Panera in 2015 as a production closer in Northern California. After two years with Flynn Restaurant Group, Stevie returned to San Diego and joined the Manna Development team. With Manna, she quickly became an Assistant Manager, opened a new bakery-café with pro-team, and then became the General Manager of the Downtown San Diego café. After a year and a half, Stevie moved back to the Santee café where she developed the café into a Training Bakery Cafe and achieved certification on the first try. Finally, she took over Otay Ranch to elevate that environment before moving to Manna Northwest to become an Area Operating Partner.
Stevie has a passion for development and enjoys seeing her team grow personally and professionally. She loves that Manna culture and appreciates the way Manna allows the team to support the community through Share the Dough, Operation Christmas Family, etc.
Outside of work, Stevie loves to spend time with her husband, her younger sister, and their two Great Danes. They enjoy exploring the beautiful Northwest mountains and waterfalls, along with trying as many new things as possible!
Stevie began working with Panera in 2015 as a production closer in Northern California. After two years with Flynn Restaurant Group, Stevie returned to San Diego and joined the Manna Development team. With Manna, she quickly became an Assistant Manager, opened a new bakery-café with pro-team, and then became the General Manager of the Downtown San Diego café. After a year and a half, Stevie moved back to the Santee café where she developed the café into a Training Bakery Cafe and achieved certification on the first try. Finally, she took over Otay Ranch to elevate that environment before moving to Manna Northwest to become an Area Operating Partner.
Stevie has a passion for development and enjoys seeing her team grow personally and professionally. She loves that Manna culture and appreciates the way Manna allows the team to support the community through Share the Dough, Operation Christmas Family, etc.
Outside of work, Stevie loves to spend time with her husband, her younger sister, and their two Great Danes. They enjoy exploring the beautiful Northwest mountains and waterfalls, along with trying as many new things as possible!
Colorado
Terri Moriarty
Terri has been with Panera for 8 years. She was hired in Denver where she served as an Assistant Manger in several Denver area cafes. She then moved to Northern Colorado where she became a Training General Manager at our Loveland café. Terri loved the role as a TGM as she was able to have an impact, not just on the new managers, but on the entire market. Terri helped out several other cafes including the New Cheyenne, WY location and S. College before becoming a District Manager.
Terri has been with Panera for 8 years. She was hired in Denver where she served as an Assistant Manger in several Denver area cafes. She then moved to Northern Colorado where she became a Training General Manager at our Loveland café. Terri loved the role as a TGM as she was able to have an impact, not just on the new managers, but on the entire market. Terri helped out several other cafes including the New Cheyenne, WY location and S. College before becoming a District Manager.
Jenn Stewart
Jenn Stewart is the District Manager for Southern CO with eight years of experience working with Panera and over 25 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. Jenn has had many different positions with Panera including Assistant Manager, General Manager, Training General Manager, and Delivery Operations Manager. Jenn enjoys using her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
Jenn is inspired daily by her husband and their two sons. In her free time, Jenn likes to travel, spend time in the mountains, and go on long walks with her two dogs.
Jenn Stewart is the District Manager for Southern CO with eight years of experience working with Panera and over 25 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. Jenn has had many different positions with Panera including Assistant Manager, General Manager, Training General Manager, and Delivery Operations Manager. Jenn enjoys using her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
Jenn is inspired daily by her husband and their two sons. In her free time, Jenn likes to travel, spend time in the mountains, and go on long walks with her two dogs.
Anthony Trujillo
Anthony has been with Panera Bread since December of 2016 & has had a dramatic impact on the market by training many managers, as well as, producing several internal promotes. He became a TGM after nearly one year with us which shows his talent of people development.
Anthony has been in the restaurant business for 43 years and has worked many positions throughout his career such as Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Director and has had a partnership in his own restaurant.
In Anthony’s off time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and playing golf. Sports such as softball and running 5Ks play a big role in his life which explains his knack for team work. He also plays guitar and likes listening to his favorite band which is REO Speedwagon.
Anthony has been with Panera Bread since December of 2016 & has had a dramatic impact on the market by training many managers, as well as, producing several internal promotes. He became a TGM after nearly one year with us which shows his talent of people development.
Anthony has been in the restaurant business for 43 years and has worked many positions throughout his career such as Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Director and has had a partnership in his own restaurant.
In Anthony’s off time, he enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, camping and playing golf. Sports such as softball and running 5Ks play a big role in his life which explains his knack for team work. He also plays guitar and likes listening to his favorite band which is REO Speedwagon.
Leon Frizzell
Leon has been with Panera since 2010 and has held many positions including District Training Specialist, General Manager and Training General Manager. He has also been awarded both Rookie GM of the Year and The Golden Goose for Manna Colorado!
As a Regional Training Manager, Leon is looking forward to being able to reach out to other cafes and help them get their training programs on a solid ground and to work with new managers which are the future of our company!
Leon has an adopted son that is 14 and is a freshman in high school. His passion is working in the community helping others. He serves on the board of directors as treasurer for ICRME which is a nonprofit that raises money for charities in the GLBT+ community.
When relaxing, his passion is gardening and working in his yard! He likes to cook and feed others including his bakery café staff and the market at GM meetings.
Leon has been with Panera since 2010 and has held many positions including District Training Specialist, General Manager and Training General Manager. He has also been awarded both Rookie GM of the Year and The Golden Goose for Manna Colorado!
As a Regional Training Manager, Leon is looking forward to being able to reach out to other cafes and help them get their training programs on a solid ground and to work with new managers which are the future of our company!
Leon has an adopted son that is 14 and is a freshman in high school. His passion is working in the community helping others. He serves on the board of directors as treasurer for ICRME which is a nonprofit that raises money for charities in the GLBT+ community.
When relaxing, his passion is gardening and working in his yard! He likes to cook and feed others including his bakery café staff and the market at GM meetings.
Joshua Bianchi
Joshua has worked for Panera for 10 plus years and has held many positions from team member through training general manager and is now an Area Operating Partner in the Noth West Denver area. Growing up in Colorado Springs, Joshua took a job as a production team member with Panera in high school. After moving north to Fort Collins in 2008 Joshua took some time away from Panera and later decided that Panera was where he was meant to be and joined the Manna team in 2018 Joshua finds joy in serving our team and guests.
When Joshua is not working you have good odds of finding him at a table playing board games with friends or if the season is right outdoors hunting or fishing.
Joshua has worked for Panera for 10 plus years and has held many positions from team member through training general manager and is now an Area Operating Partner in the Noth West Denver area. Growing up in Colorado Springs, Joshua took a job as a production team member with Panera in high school. After moving north to Fort Collins in 2008 Joshua took some time away from Panera and later decided that Panera was where he was meant to be and joined the Manna team in 2018 Joshua finds joy in serving our team and guests.
When Joshua is not working you have good odds of finding him at a table playing board games with friends or if the season is right outdoors hunting or fishing.
Oklahoma and Missouri
Mike Cassady
Mike started with OKC in 1999 as GM and was promoted to District Manager/Area Operating Parter in 2000. Prior to that he was with Brinker International with Chili’s and On the Border.
He is married to Lisa and they have a blended family with their children, Dylan, Lucas, Kayden, Logan and Reed. The middle three are all at Oklahoma State University, so Mike is now an OSU fan. His youngest is a junior in high school. When not spending time with family, he plays golf as often as possible.
Mike started with OKC in 1999 as GM and was promoted to District Manager/Area Operating Parter in 2000. Prior to that he was with Brinker International with Chili’s and On the Border.
He is married to Lisa and they have a blended family with their children, Dylan, Lucas, Kayden, Logan and Reed. The middle three are all at Oklahoma State University, so Mike is now an OSU fan. His youngest is a junior in high school. When not spending time with family, he plays golf as often as possible.
Sean Kosar
Sean started at St. Louis bread Company as part of the Traditional Bakery Franchise in Springfield, MO in 1999. Employees were called cast members back in that era. He was promoted to mentor (Team Lead nowadays) and assisted with opening many of the cafes throughout the midwest during the early 2000’s. After a few years as a manager, he was sent to Branson where he would eventually become GM of that café for 4 years. In 2010 He was promoted to District Manager and later renamed Area Operating Partner. Sean was awarded the Mother Bread award at the Panera Family Reunion in Nashville. Panera is one of the only Jobs he has ever had and he plans to retire with the company.
Sean started at St. Louis bread Company as part of the Traditional Bakery Franchise in Springfield, MO in 1999. Employees were called cast members back in that era. He was promoted to mentor (Team Lead nowadays) and assisted with opening many of the cafes throughout the midwest during the early 2000’s. After a few years as a manager, he was sent to Branson where he would eventually become GM of that café for 4 years. In 2010 He was promoted to District Manager and later renamed Area Operating Partner. Sean was awarded the Mother Bread award at the Panera Family Reunion in Nashville. Panera is one of the only Jobs he has ever had and he plans to retire with the company.