Elizabeth Amaral, Director of Sales, joined the Team at Christina’s in April 2007. Most of her hospitality career has been with Johnson & Wales University where she managed a fine dining restaurant, staffed by the students of the University before focusing on event planning. She not only maintained her full time career but was also a full time student. In May 2006 she received an M.B.A in Global Business Marketing.

Liz, as we like to call her, has valuable experience including weddings, corporate events, fund-raisers, trade shows and intimate social gatherings. Even with her busy schedule, Liz still makes time to volunteer with the March of Dimes. She has used her expertise of event planning to help coordinate fund-raising events for them including their annual Walk America and Signature Chef's Auction.

Liz is always willing to go the extra mile and her hard work will give you a helping hand when planning your next event.

Tenara Hruzek, Catering Sales manager, has been with Christina's since May of 2004. Fresh to the scene of event planning, Tenara with her youthful enthusiasm is most happy when she's helping people. She studies fashion design and loves to bring these aspects into event planning. Just like coordinating the perfect outfit, she is more than willing to coordinate everything for your special occasion from the menu to the linens and centerpieces while ensuring that the event expresses your vision. She will help keep you organized and on track. Always expect a smile and sunny disposition when meeting with Tenara who will guarantee that not a single question will go unanswered.

Sally Junkins, Catering Sales Manager, left a career as a store manager of a leading women's national retailer to join the Christina's Team. There she had been managing a high volume, 1.5 million dollar store. After eleven years in retail sales, Sally’s career focus changed, but one thing she knew she wouldn't want to change was the way she enjoyed creating a positive experience for her clients.

After planning her own wedding in 2003, she realized that most brides consider planning their wedding as a stressful time. Sally wants brides to realize it should be an enjoyable experience. She’ll keep you organized and on track so that your planning process can be full of cherished memories instead of stress.

Sally will soon show you that you’ve made a wise decision in choosing Christina’s as the venue for your special event. Whether you're planning a wedding, shower, holiday party or celebration, Sally will offer you her many creative and innovative ideas.

Sally and the Christina's Sales Office look forward to helping you plan every detail of your special event.

Russell Thiel, Executive Chef, began his career over 20 years ago while attending culinary school in Boston. His first professional Chef's position was in Manhattan working under premier French Chef Micheal Fitoussi at 24 Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village, and later at the five-star restaurant, The Quilted Giraffe, known for their beautiful plate presentations. In the mid- 80's, he returned to Massachusetts to become Executive Chef for Spinazzola's Restaurant in Framingham. He also worked in a number of restaurants in the metro-west area and then opened his first restaurant in Waltham, "R Place off Main" and 5 years later, "R Place at The Berkeley" in Wellesley. The Zagat Survey rated "R Place" a top 40 restaurant.

Chef Russell joined Christina's in 2001 and especially likes the opportunity to utilize his talents in customizing menus for our clients. His quarterly e-newsletter "Chef Russell's corner" features fresh seasonal menus and entertaining ideas. Chef Russell is always available to answer any culinary questions you may have regarding your event.

Manuel Caneja Jr. (a.k.a. Manny), Chef, as a Norwood native, and born from two Portuguese immigrants, Manny was always taught two things: 1. work hard, and 2. never forget to give back to the community.

Manny did everything possible to learn from the best in the area. He’s been in the restaurant industry since he was 14-years-old – working his way through the ranks. He now resides in Walpole with his wife and 3 children, and has made the rounds at some fabulous restaurants including: The Nicholas in Norwood (where he rubbed elbows with Chris Spinazzola on the line), Spinazzola's in Framingham, The Lafayette Hotel in Boston, Ann's Place in Norton, and R Place at The Berkeley in Wellesley. And then one day, long-time friend Chris Spinazzola wanted to meet Manny for coffee – where he dropped the question asking if Manny would be his Executive Chef at the up and coming Christina's & Funway Café. He was an asset during its 6 year run. Funway Café owners then joined forces with Stoneforge owners – and created Stoneforge- Foxboro – where Manny had been at the top of his game. Although cooking is his passion, so is his family. So – in order to see more of his family, he took on a new schedule by switching back to Christina's. Manny, his wife and his children are happy to be able to sit down and have dinner as a family again.

Manny proudly supports so many charities in the area. He has been quoted over and over saying "...this business is what made me who I am today, and it's only right that I give back to the community..." Every year at Christina's, Manny donates his services for a Handi-Kids Christmas Holiday Breakfast for 350 special needs individuals. In addition to that, each year on Holy Thursday, he cooks for a Juvenile Diabetes Foundation fundraiser called Brian’s Run – for over 500 guests. (Brian’s aunt, Mary Tolland, an annual Boston Marathon runner, coordinates this important event each year.) Manny has been a guest instructor of Cardoo's Cooking School of MetroWest and Anthony Spinazzola's Scholarship Foundation at Boston University of Culinary Arts.

Manny is quite proud to be part of the Team at Christina's. They all seem to share Manny's drive and work ethic. Manny has a strong passion for food which is why he says he’s still in the business after all these years. "It's a tough schedule to keep, but I do it because I love it. This [restaurant/function] industry attracts a certain persona, and I've never seen so many hard working AND giving individuals. There is no price for this experience." When asked what his favorite food to eat is, he says, "Anything rich and fatty" (not that you'd know it if you saw him). When asked where he sees himself in the future, he said he'd like to teach … the small things as well as the large things to those that are eager to learn ... and he hopes to make a difference. That's Manny Caneja ... a very modest individual with one of the largest hearts and talent in the area.

William Cabino (A.K.A. Billy), service manager has been with Christina's and Funway since 2002. Billy started as a banquet server, then made his way to Funway USA as a park supervisor. In 2004, Christina's recruited him back to become our service manager. Billy ensures that our function rooms are sparkling clean and set for each event. He is always running around behind the scenes doing whatever is required to ensure the success of each and every function. Whether it's a last minute change to your floorplan, an extra extension cord or setting needed for a guest table, Billy is there to assist with a smile. Billy studies Law enforcement at Mass Bay Community College and hopes to be a State Trooper in the future.

Jackie Halfond, Director of Sales & Marketing, has built a strong expertise in the sales, marketing and event planning fields. She majored in marketing at University of Hartford in Connecticut, and studied the Syracuse Program in London with a marketing and business focus. Her experience includes developing and executing fundraising events, teambuilding, sports competitions, fashion shows and various themed events.

Positions with Revlon Headquarters NYC, Bozell Advertising and The Boston Phoenix further developed her client-side experience - helping her to be more understanding of clients' pressures and helpful in many situations. At R+D Advertising in Boston, she developed her sales skills and enhanced her customer service, relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

Jackie joined Christina's in 2001 and works hard building relationships in the local... and not so local... area, trying to spread the word about Christina's. She has a very positive attitude and is known to "make it happen." Although most of your communication with her will happen during the early stages of your event planning, she is always available if you need her.