Casino Hosts

MARIO CARDENAS

Hello, my name is Mario Cardenas. I was born and raised in Blue Island, IL. Go White Sox!!! I started my career with Harrah’s Ak-Chin in 1994 as a Total Rewards Representative. I’ve worked in many capacities at Harrah's Ak-Chin including Casino Host, Player Development, and Senior Executive Host since 2009. When I’m not at work, I love playing baseball with my son and golf with my father.

RETHEMA Jagow

Welcome! My name is Rethema Jagow and I am truly a native of Arizona – born and raised! I'm a Native American Indian from the Maricopa Tribe located southwest of Phoenix. I began my career in the gaming industry in 1995 at Harrah's Laughlin and I've been with Harrah's Ak-Chin since 2003.

During your next visit, I recommend trying the Roasted Norwegian Salmon in the Range Steakhouse or the crab legs from The Buffet. I absolutely love those dishes and I'm confident you will too. When I'm away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I promise to make your next visit a memorable stay with Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino Resort!

Ramon Diaz

Welcome, my name is Ramon Diaz and I am your VIP Host.  I was born and raised in Gallup, N.M A.K.A “I’ve been through there”.  Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed guest services and I can say that since joining the Harrah’s team in 2013, I have truly found a home for my passion!

Outside of enjoying the company of Harrah’s guests, I enjoy the company of my beautiful wife, 2 kids and a pup named Niner.  My son is my favorite athlete, my daughter is my favorite artist and my wife is my best friend.  I love to coach and play multiple sports and I take any chance I get to have red or green chili on my food. J

On your next visit I recommend joining lady luck over at the Blackjack or 3 Card Poker tables with a refreshing drink of the month.  It is my pleasure to assist you in making your next trip to Harrah’s Ak-Chin an entertaining one!

Debra Markgraf

Hi! I’m Debra.  Welcome to my playground!

After nearly 40 years in the entertainment industry hosting talk shows and music programs,  it was time to try a different type of hosting – casino host!!  I “rolled the dice” and “got lucky” when Harrah’s Ak-Chin chose me to join their incredible team. 

I was born in Rhode Island – college in Miami and worked for radio stations from Miami to Boston, Philadelphia to Cleveland and then Phoenix in 2003.  I’m a diehard fan of the Patriots and the Red Sox.  I love food, casino gaming, music, theatre, my Harley, my cat and my daughter and not necessarily in that order.

When you’re ready to “come out and play”, think of me as your facilitator of fun! I look forward to seeing you!

mellitta benning

Welcome! My name is Mellitta Benning. I was born in Decatur, GA and raised in Detroit, MI. I have been a role model for Caesars Entertainment for Ten years, and joined the Harrah’s Ak-Chin team in August 2007. I started as a light duty cleaner and I have been climbing the ladder ever since. I am currently working towards my CPA in accounting at Grand Canyon University. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my fiancé Shaun and two beautiful children Samiya and Messiah.

I am no stranger to the entertainment industry!. At  an early age I began to dance and model for various local designers in my hometown of Detroit.  Entertaining is in my blood, and meeting new people is one way of learning about the world.

I promise you will enjoy every aspect of Harrah’s Ak-Chin, and I personally look forward to meeting you.

Brenda Davison

Hello! My name is Brenda. I joined Harrah’s Ak-Chin as a VIP Hospitality Host after making the move to Arizona from Texas (where I was born and raised).  I have 2 children with wonderful families including four grandchildren.  While I miss the Texas pride and the great Tex-Mex food, I love the Arizona sunshine, the great weather, and the beautiful sunsets.  

I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people at Harrah’s Ak-Chin.  It’s great to be part of a team that works hard to provide a fun and memorable experience for each of our guests.  Please come out and visit me, I promise my southern charm will keep you coming back!

DEREK ROMERO

Hello, my name is Derek Romero. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I began my gaming career in 2007 and joined Caesars Entertainment in 2012. I have worked in many different facets of the casino world, working my way up to become a Senior Executive Host.  I am happy to have found my home in Arizona at the wonderful Harrah's Ak-Chin. During your next visit I would suggest trying the rib-eye steak and french onion soup from The Range Steakhouse; they are my favorite.

When I am away from work, I enjoy participating in SCCA Solo autocross racing and spending time with my wife and two little boys. My favorite sports teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I promise to always be willing to help with a smile on my face. I will try my best to make your next trip and every trip memorable!

Nicole Hehn

Welcome!

My name is Nicole Hehn. I was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona. I began my career in the gaming industry in 2010; I have now moved my ever expanding knowledge to Harrah’s Ak-Chin as of 2016. I have been a Casino Host for over 4 years now, and I can honestly say I love my job. I love delighting and visiting with my guests. During your next visit after your done visiting with me, I would recommend having the Crab Legs at the buffet, they are my favorite.

When I am not at work I love spending time with my amazing son, my family and our three dogs, we love getting out doors to play sports, go hiking or our favorite thing is Jet Skiing on the beautiful lakes in Arizona. I was born and raised a crazy Denver Broncos and Avalanche fan!

I look forward to making sure you’re all your visits to Harrah’s Ak-Chin as memorable as possible! I look forward to meeting you!  

Michael Cookmeyer

Hello, my name is Michael Cookmeyer. I was born and raised in Southern California. I began my gaming career here at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in 2015 as a Diamond Host and have made the leap to VIP Hospitality Host. As a VIP Host I strive to make every visit of yours unique and memorable!

When I am not at work I am spending time with my beautiful wife Genesis and my two rambunctious dogs Mochi and Tutu. At any given time you can find me hiking a trail, dining with my wife, looking for the next do it yourself project, or catching up on the latest Netflix craze!

I truly enjoy and take pride in the work I do for our guests and look forward to your next visit!

Donna Allen

Hello, my name is Donna Allen. I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and moved to Arizona in 1999.  My journey with Harrah’s started in 2014 where I had the pleasure serving guests in our Agaves Restaurant. Now I have the privilege of assisting and entertaining our guests on the gaming floor as a VIP Host.

When I am not working I spend time with my husband of 21 years and our five fabulous daughters.

“We encourage grown-ups to play” and everyone needs some fun, so come visit us!   I look forward to meeting you and making your stay and play memorable. 

Valerie Ruiz

Hello my name is Valerie Ruiz and I’ve had the pleasure of work with Harrah’s Ak-Chin since 2012. I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I’ve worked in many different positions at Harrah’s and I’m more than thrilled to be a part of the VIP Host Team.

 When I’m not at work, you can find me exploring the nightlife with friends, eating Mexican Food with my family, or taking a spur of the moment trip!

I look forward to getting to know you and I can guarantee you will have a wonderful experience here at Harrah’s Ak-Chin!

Dashawn Hill

Hi my name is Dashawn Hill. I was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we've been together 15 years. We have two beautiful daughters. I started working in the casino industry at the age of 19 and quickly fell in love with all aspects of the business. I became an executive host at the age of 20. I worked my way up to senior executive host and helped as acting department manager in the absence of our manager at the time.

After 11.5 years in the industry I helped my best friend launch his own fitness company online. I helped him reach 1.7 million in sales with just the two of us, 4 iPhones and 2 laptops. After helping him build his company to 20 employees and two sub brands we relocated to Scottsdale. I really started to miss the casino industry and only wanted to get back into it if I found the right fit. Not even a week later I saw a post from Harrah's Ak-Chin. After my first two interviews I felt like this is where I need and want to be. I drive past several casinos to get to work because this is where I want to be. It's such an amazing atmosphere.

When not at work I love to cook with my wife and play with my kids. I'm still an active athlete and play numerous sports competitively so I also live in the gym.

Thanks for taking the time to read my bio. Have a good day, a great night, and even better tomorrow.

Amanda Leon Guerrero

Hello, my name is Amanda Leon Guerrero. I was born and raised in San Diego California and moved to Arizona in 2009. I’ve had the pleasure of working in the gaming industry for 5 years and have loved every part of it!!! Working with people is my passion. When I’m not working I’m spending time with my wonderful Husband, 2 beautiful children and our loveable dogs, Penelope and Lucy. They keep my life interesting and fulfilling. We love going for hikes, visiting the zoo and finding new places to dine. I love my role as VIP Coordinator and it would be my pleasure to assist you.

Danny Main

Welcome everyone! My name is Daniel Main. I am a born and raised native of the great state of Arizona! I started my journey here at Harrah’s Ak-Chin 8 years ago as a Valet Attendant. I then transferred to one of our sister properties, the Horseshoe Southern Indiana, where I spent a year and a half as a Valet Supervisor and Casino Services Supervisor. However, my heart will always belong to Arizona, and I transferred home to Harrah’s Ak-Chin as a Beverage Supervisor. I now look forward to serving all of our guests, as a member of the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Host team!

When not at work, I spend time with my beautiful wife, traveling this great state, going to Diamondbacks and Coyotes games, and spending time with my friends and family. 

I live to make those around me as comfortable as possible; this extends to my work as I strive to make everyone’s stay carefree and fun.  I live to see my guest’s smile and have a great time.  Nothing satisfies me more than to hear from a guest that their stay went perfectly and that I had a small hand in their fun. So, come on down to Harrah’s Ak-Chin and let the fun begin!