Meet Our Team
We Look Forward To Working With You!
One of the things that sets Vacation Rentals of Santa Barbara apart is our capable and knowledgeable team. Our team is composed of three departments, each with the goal of best serving our clients. Learn more about our Operations, Property Care, and Guest Relations departments and how each of the individuals below strives to make VROSB the outstanding company it is today.
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (805) 319-4045
Samantha Ireland
Co-Founder & President
As a resident of Santa Barbara for the past three decades, Samantha has a great appreciation of Santa Barbara’s unique ambiance. Samantha has worked in a variety of industries in the real estate field. Prior to the past two decades in real estate sales, Samantha worked in the banking and lending industry for 14 years, giving her the background and training to understand the financial aspects of buying and selling a home. These experiences and insights have helped build her robust understanding of the vacation rental market.
Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Business from California State University, Fresno, and she has also attended Westmont College. She is currently a member of several business and community organizations, and maintains a residence in Santa Barbara with her lovely daughters and husband.
My specialties include: Working with buyers and sellers in the residential home market and managing high-end vacation rentals in the Santa Barbara area.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Spending time with my granddaughter!
I eat too much at: Los Agaves
You can find me walking on: Butterfly Beach
My favorite local wine/ beer is: Figueroa Mountain
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Thailand with my daughters
Why I love VROSB: I love to share our wonderful city with others and provide them with beautiful and comfortable homes to stay in!
Samantha Ireland
Co-Founder & President
Wendy LaBrie
Co-Founder & Bookkeeper
Wendy has been with LYNX Property Management (VROSB”s sister company) since its’ inception 15 years ago, and she has been with VROSB since 2006. She has helped build the vacation rental business to serve the needs of a select group of exquisite luxury and beach-oriented properties.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Going out to the Channel Islands
I eat too much at: The Palace
You can find me walking on: Hendry’s Beach with my dog & 5 kids
My favorite local wine/ beer is: Ariste
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Pre-kids, it was traveling throughout Australia with my husband on our honeymoon. Post-kids, it was a month-long family road trip to all of the Western National Parks!
Why I love VROSB: The people are easy to work with and they are always trying to make everyone’s stay as fabulous as possible.
Wendy LaBrie
Co-Founder & Bookkeeper
Emily McCarthy
Operations Manager
Emily graduated from Westmont College in 2018 where she double majored in Political Science and Economics & Business. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she has found Santa Barbara to be the perfect mix of both a busy city and relaxed coastal town. In her spare time, Emily enjoys going on new adventures with friends, listening to podcasts, and petting cute dogs.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Coffee at Dune Coffee Roasters then wandering the Farmer’s Market and Art from Scrap on Saturday mornings
I eat too much at: Romanti-Ezer’s
You can find me walking on: Miramar Beach
My favorite local wine/ beer is: Pence Winery
Best trip I’ve ever taken: India! I traveled all around the country in 2015 – the sights, tastes, smells, and faces were all truly unforgettable. Paris for New Years is a close second!
Why I love VROSB: I enjoy sharing what I love with people- so what is not to love about Santa Barbara and the VROSB team? I have learned so much from this great group of people as they tirelessly strive to make each and every guest’s experience in Santa Barbara enjoyable.
Emily McCarthy
Operations Manager
Meagan Fonseca
Operations Support
Meagan is a 3rd generation born and raised “Santa Barbarian” who also graduated from UCSB majoring in Sociology. Bringing to the team an extensive customer service background and passion for world travel she was very excited to have found this local company catering to both. Outside of the job you’ll find her raising her young family with her husband, running around at playgrounds and museums, baking, crafting and wanderlust daydreaming of her next global adventures!
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Going to the Farmer’s Market & taking a picnic to Elings Park
I eat too much at: Renaud’s, Jane Restaurant, and Natural Cafe
You can find me walking on: The SB Botanic Gardens with my family
My favorite local wine/beer is: Demetria Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Nior
Best trip I’ve ever taken: To Africa; amazing sights and people in Egypt, South Africa, and especially getting to go on Safari in Kenya!
Why I love VROSB: Getting to work with a caring team of individuals who are dedicated to the business and are always there to help.
Meagan Fonseca
Operations Support
Sasha Gibson
Property Inspector & Owner Relations
Sasha is a Santa Barbara Native. Having traveled extensively and lived abroad and in West Palm Beach Florida for some years is a beach girl at heart. She moved back to Santa Barbara 10 years ago to raise her children. She enjoys spending her time studying Chinese herbology, farm to table cooking, practicing health and wellness, hiking our beautiful mountain trails, the beach with her kids (pretty much anything with my kids) and yoga. Santa Barbara is the perfect place for me!
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Having a vanilla latte at Dune Coffee, Shopping for seasonal delights at The Santa Barbara Farmers Market and taking them home to make a delicious farm to table lunch, followed by a hike in our beautiful mountains.
I eat too much at: Bree’osh, The croissants are amazing! The owners Nelle and Pierre are the sweetest Parisians! Its a must while in Santa Barbara.
You can find me walking at: Butterfly Beach At Sunset.
My favorite local wine/beer is: Pierre Lafond Winery
Best trip I’ve ever taken: A year spent sailing the Caribbean Island chain with my family.
Why I love VROSB: The team that makes up VROSB are the kindest most caring people. I feel so blessed to be part of it. I love being able to see the amazing homes VROSB has to offer guests for their stay in our magical little town.
Sasha Gibson
Property Inspector & Owner Relations
Pete Kimball
Property Care Supervisor
Pete was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. Growing up in the beauty of California’s Central Coast fostered his love for the ocean. In all his travels he never strayed far from the sandy shores. Pete has an extensive history working in luxury hotels and resorts over the past 15 years. His hospitality career allowed him to live and work in some of the world’s most stunning beach towns! Pete now resides in Santa Barbara where he is living his best beaching life and bringing the ultimate luxury experience to VROSB. Pete is a caring husband, father, and in his spare time enjoys golfing and traveling with his family.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Quality family time. Beaches, parks, amusement parks.
I eat too much at: Jack’s Bistro & Famous Bagels. I recommend the strawberry cream cheese on anything. Go early as they sell out!
You can find me walking on: The greens. Any opportunity to golf is appreciated, any time, anywhere, any course.
My favorite local wine/beer is: Captain Fatty’s Pale Ale- pale, light, and refreshing
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Spain (2018) An adult affair with family. We spent 8 days in Madrid enjoying museums, landmarks, shopping, food, wine, music, and dancing. Ole! We managed to squeeze in an afternoon at Valencia Beach 600 miles away via bullet train.
Why I love VROSB: I enjoy VROSB genuinely cares about the people who select our services and the team members who work hard everyday. VROSB values and respects the experience which comes from many years in luxury hospitality. I work with dedicated professionals who make it possible for our guests to stay in the perfect home away from home in sunny SB.
Pete Kimball
Property Care Supervisor
Michele Prestage
Property Support Specialist
Michele is a California native and arrived in Santa Barbara to attend USCB and never left. She enjoys painting, photography, spending time at the beach and getting together with friends.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Brunch, a beach walk, a picnic at the Rose Garden or roller skating along the bike path.
I eat too much at: Arigato
You can find me walking at: Butterfly Beach or around downtown
My favorite local wine/beer is: From Llama Dog because of the amazing variety and the staff is so friendly.
Best trip I’ve ever taken: I love traveling and have a hard time naming the best – there are so many! My favorite places are Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Portugal.
Why I love VROSB: Everyone at VROSB works together as a team and is so supportive. Our guests are great as well and make for an overall great experience.
Michele Prestage
Property Support Specialist
Kiffaya Haj
Property Inspector
Originally from Israel, Kiffaya lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and kids. Kiffaya attended Santa Barbara City College and obtained an A.S. in Interior Design and Architectural Drafting.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Fishing
I eat too much at: Brophy Brothers
You can find me walking on: Butterfly Beach
My favorite local drink is: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Maui, Hawaii with my husband. We went on a lot of adventures and had a ton of fun; I laughed enough during those two weeks to last a lifetime!
Why I love VROSB: Santa Barbara is a wonderful tourist destination, as well as a great community to live in. Thousands of tourists come to visit every year and I love making their visit very special by providing amazing vacations for our guests. The team at VROSB is so wonderful to work with. All of my coworkers are sweet, fun-loving, enjoy a high level of professionalism, are customer-service oriented, and know the true meaning of team spirit.
Kiffaya Haj
Property Inspector
Anne-Marie Matthews
Property Inspector
A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Anne-Marie has long appreciated all that Santa Barbara has to offer. She is a dog-lover and an avid Dodgers fan, who also enjoys music, theater and dance. In her free time she loves spending time on the beach, hiking and camping with her husband (also a Gaucho!) and two sons
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: The beach with my family
I eat too much at:Rose Cafe – keep the chips and salsa coming!
You can find me walking on: 1000 Steps Beach or Shoreline Park if the tide is too high
Favorite local wine/beer is: Dragonette – any of their Pinot Noirs or spectacular Grenache
Best trip I’ve ever taken: My honeymoon to Bora Bora & Moorea
Why I love VROSB: We have an awesome team of truly kind, skilled, creative, helpful and thoughtful people who are a pleasure to work with. Also I love the opportunity to meet the guests and share our beautiful city!
Anne-Marie Matthews
Property Inspector
Tommie Grimes
Property Inspector
A graduate of University of Oregon in Art and Design, Tommie has taken her love of the Arts from a lifelong music career with her Alt-Rock band Wall of Tom and three-time published author in Hollywood, to an interior design/staging passion after her move to Santa Barbara, nine years ago. In her free time, she can be found in her home studio recording music with her guitarist/husband, in the Santa Ynez valley on horseback with her daughter, or surfing the waves at Leadbetter point with her son and thinks that Santa Barbara is absolutely heaven, here on earth.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Gonna be a toss-up between a day at the beach or a day with the horses in the valley. It’s like- I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. I can’t choose, they both make me so happy.
I eat too much at: Loquita in the Funk Zone, Oh my, I love Spanish Tapas!
You can find me walking on: Leadbetter Beach. I feel so blessed to live just above this paradise cove, and especially love the low tides, I can walk for miles and miles.
My favorite local wine/beer is: If I didn’t say Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, my husband would strangle me since he has been working as the retail director for nine years now. But I like wine, and Carr winery has a Cab-Franc that is sooooo yummy.
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Another question too tough to answer. I’m a musician, and some of the greatest tours/travels are ones that I’m not allowed to talk about… unless I’m writing a book about it, of course.
Why I love VROSB: We have some of the most beautiful homes as vacation rentals and as a confirmed design junkie- I love each and every one.
Tommie Grimes
Property Inspector
Chris Palumbo
Property Inspector
In her spare time, Pat serves as the captain of a local USTA tennis team and plays regularly. She enjoys bike rides and mountain hikes with her husband and loves playing with her young grandsons at any opportunity. Originally from the Chicago area, she’ll never take the natural beauty of Santa Barbara or its incredible weather for granted.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Tennis and bike riding
I eat too much at: Shintori Sushi
You can find me walking on: Jesusita Trail or Goleta Beach
Best trip I’ve ever taken: A family trip to Lake Tahoe
Why I love VROSB: The support, talent, and teamwork at VROSB are incredible.
Chris Palumbo
Property Inspector
Lydia Perez
Guest Relations Supervisor
Lydia was born and raised in Santa Barbara. When she’s not working she enjoys the outdoors -camping, fishing, kayaking, hunting and having beach days!
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: There are too many to name! Fishing, kayaking, off-roading, or having a relaxing day at the beach with my family.
I eat too much at: Los Agaves and anything that has carbs on the menu
You can find me walking on: Summerland, Gaviota, or Refugio Beaches
My favorite local wine/beer is: Syrah from SB Winery
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Costa Rica- we had such a blast zip lining over waterfalls, horseback riding, hiking, spending time at the beach, enjoying the wildlife (the monkeys and sloths were my fave!) and visiting the volcano!
Why I love VROSB: I enjoy working with like-minded and dedicated teammates. The team is amazing and great to work with! Everyone works together to accomplish the end goal of making sure every guest has a memorable experience while staying with us. It is truly a great place to work at!
Lydia Perez
Guest Relations Supervisor
Viki Lorett
Guest Relations Specialist
Viki was born in Ventura and raised in Rancho Cucamonga. After college Viki returned to her beloved Ventura. When she’s not working, she enjoys wine tasting at the local wineries in Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Trying new restaurants is a favorite weekend adventure.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: I love to wine taste at the local wineries in Santa Barbara.
I eat too much at: The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach – specifically the crab cakes!
You can find me walking at: The Santa Barbara Zoo.
My favorite local wine/beer is: Santa Barbara Winery.
Best trip I’ve ever taken: I went to Hawaii for 20 days spending 5 days on each of the major islands. A trip of a lifetime with my aunt.
Why I love VROSB: I love how everyone is willing to help each other. A true family atmosphere within this company.
Viki Lorett
Guest Relations Specialist
Ariana Grasgreen
Guest Relations Specialist
Ariana graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Anthropology and has been living in Santa Barbara since 2019. She is passionate about sustainable agriculture and can often be found at the Tuesday and Saturday farmers’ markets. Ariana enjoys all of the outdoor activities Santa Barbara has to offer, especially hiking and spending time at any of our beautiful beaches!
Favorite Santa Barbara activity: Earth Day Festival. I love that Santa Barbara is credited with the creation of the first Earth Day!
I eat too much at: The Public Market—too many good options!
You can find me walking on: East Beach.
My favorite local wine/beer is: Figueroa Mountain, specifically Point Conception.
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Costa Rica with my sister.
Ariana Grasgreen
Guest Relations Specialist
Linda Sener
Property Inspector & Stager
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Linda moved to Santa Barbara in 1987 to marry the love of her life, John and never left! Her finest and most beloved accomplishment is having raised two amazing twin daughters who make her proud every single day. When the creative mood strikes, she enjoys creative writing, cooking, collage, and watercolor. With desires to travel more extensively around the US, Europe, and the Caribbean, taking the long trip to snorkel in Tahiti or Australia is on the dream sheet too! She will always be grateful, however, to come home to Santa Barbara. “How blessed are we to be able to say we live in paradise!”
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Finding a quiet place to enjoy sunset! There no better way to end a busy week than to sit on the wall (with a glass of wine of course!) above Butterfly Beach. It’s been part of our family traditions for over 35 years.
I eat too much at: HOME! I love to cook! But if I’m going out, I always eat too much at Brophy’s! That half a loaf of crusty bread, their fried shrimp, and a pile of crispy fries is my total guilty pleasure! Who needs dessert…more bread, please!
You can find me walking on: Mission Ridge Road – I start at the Mission Rose Garden, then head straight uphill and complete a 4-mile loop. There are no better views of our stunning city and no better way to get an attitude adjustment!
My favorite local wine/beer is: Melville Pinot Noir, or a super cold Margerum Rose!
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Casparia, Italy. I took a trip in 2018 with four amazing women for a writing retreat in this tiny hilltop town in Tuscany. The following year, I returned to Italy with my husband, John. I feel so blessed to have been able to travel to my favorite country with people I love.
Why I love VROSB: We are a Family. Teamwork and caring are at the core of everything our company stands for. We are there to support one another while working together to assure our guests have the best experience possible, and our property owners and their homes are well cared for. Samantha is not only a tenacious and knowledgeable business owner; she is a caring human being, as are the rest of my teammates. This makes us all feel part of something good, and I like that.
Linda Sener
Property Inspector & Stager
Lisa Champion
Inventory Coordinator & Property Inspector
Lisa has lived in Santa Barbara for almost 30 years, where she and her husband raised their now-adult children. She is excited to join the VROSB team, where she cares for the vacation rentals with the same meticulous attention as she would her own home!
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Spending time with my husband
I eat too much at: Home
You can find me walking on: Inspiration Trail
My favorite local wine/beer is: All of the establishments in The Mill!
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Annual family trips to Cardinal Village Resort in the Eastern Sierras
Why I love VROSB: I enjoy working with like-minded and dedicated teammates.
Lisa Champion
Inventory Coordinator & Property Inspector
Pat English
Inventory Coordinator
In her spare time, Pat serves as Captain of a local USTA tennis team and plays regularly, enjoys bike rides and mountain hikes with her husband, and playing with her young grandsons at any opportunity. Originally from the Chicago area, she’ll never take the natural beauty of Santa Barbara or the incredible weather for granted.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Tennis and bike riding
I eat too much at: Shintori Sushi
You can find me walking on: Jesusita Trail or Goleta Beach
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Family trip to Lake Tahoe
Why I love VROSB: The support, talent, and teamwork at VROSB is incredible
Pat English
Inventory Coordinator
Josh Blair
Property Maintenance Technician
Josh happily relocated from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara 6 years ago after his wife accepted a great job opportunity while he was on vacation and unreachable in Serbia. He has worked in a wide variety of fields ranging from Real Estate, PC/LH Insurance Sales, Restaurant Management & Bartending, IT/Social Engineering, Property Management/Maintenance making himself somewhat a ‘Josh’ Of All Trades. He and his wife found a passion for Obstacle Course Racing (OCR), more specifically Spartan! His free time is either training for the next race or playing with their 4 legged children, Darby & Seven, at one of the many local beaches & trails.
Favorite Santa Barbara weekend activity: Running on the beach with my puppies!
I eat too much at:Wherever they sell cookies.
You can find me walking on: Rooftops
My favorite local drink is: I don’t really drink, but if I do I go to Apertivo and the owners have a special drink only for me called The Poor Man’s Champagne.
Best trip I’ve ever taken: Hawaii for my 40th B-day!
Why I love VROSB: Who you work with is to me the most important part of a company and every single person at VROSB is awesome!
Josh Blair
Property Maintenance Technician
Kathy Britt
Concierge
Kathy, originally from Chicago, spent the last 3 decades in Lahaina, Maui enjoying the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands and developing a love for tourism and helping guests discover and enjoy Maui and the neighboring islands as a concierge manager. Kathy fell in love with Santa Barbara when vacationing here and decided to move from one Paradise (Maui) to the next Paradise (Santa Barbara). When not at work, Kathy will be found exploring Santa Barbara and finding all the best coffee shops!
Favorite Santa Barbara Activity: Checking out the Funk Zone shops and restaurants and going to the Farmers Market
I eat too much at: Rori’s or McConnell’s ice cream
You can find me walking: Cabrillo Avenue along the Ocean to the Bird Sanctuary or walking Hendry’s Beach to see all the dogs enjoying life
My favorite local wine/beer: I do not drink alcohol but find the variety and complexity of coffee very enjoyable. I had the “grasshopper” at Pierre LaFond which is an espresso with chocolate and a hint of mint with a dash of whip. And my standby Cortado at Handlebar Coffee is the best.
Best Trip I have ever taken: My first trip to Maui which was the catalyst to move there so long ago and recently a trip to NYC and Brooklyn. Full of life, restaurants and the beauty of a big city.
Why I love VROSB: The team members! Genuinely friendly and helpful and love what they do. And I get to do the career I love, working with guests to have a wonderful vacation.
Kathy Britt
Concierge