Meet the Team at the Abbott Venue

  • Vanessa Goode

    DIRECTOR OF SALES

    Introducing Vanessa Goode, the driving force behind our sales division at Abbott Hospitality. With roots in South Florida, Vanessa graduated from the University of Miami before relocating to Kansas City in December 2020. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Vanessa's expertise has touched every facet of the hospitality industry. Her professional path, which began in hotels and extended to private dining sales, ultimately led her to her most recent role as a Regional Director of Sales, where she masterfully oversaw multiple hotels across the Midwest. For Vanessa, hospitality isn't just a career; it's a calling that courses through her veins. Outside of her professional commitments, she treasures family moments, with her son taking the lead in shaping their social activities. Vanessa's dedication and wealth of experience make her an indispensable leader in our relentless pursuit of excellence!

  • Janelle Hohensee

    Sales Manager

    Janelle Hohensee, the Sales Manager for Abbott Hospitality, brings an international perspective to her role. Hailing from Canada, she spent five years exploring different states after graduating from Santa Barbara City College in California but found her place in the Midwest and settled there. With 11 years of sales management experience, Janelle started in high-end beauty products and body contouring services, developing a genuine passion for helping others. In 2018, she founded a national sales recruiting company. Committed to helping you find your dream space, Janelle adds a well-rounded touch to her life beyond the sales scene at the Austin, enjoying yoga and quality time with her husband and two boys.

  • Elliot Duckworth

    Sales Manager

    Elliot is our Sales Manager with Abbott Hospitality. With his diverse experience in the fields of hospitality, sales, and service, he brings a unique and valuable background to the table. He embarked on his professional journey as a bar back then gradually worked his way up the ranks to become the General Manager of Amenities & Events for One Light & Two Light Luxury Apartments, where he continued to excel in delivering exceptional experiences for residents and guests alike. Elliot's remarkable achievements and expertise in his chosen fields exemplify his dedication to providing top-notch service and exceeding expectations. His commitment to excellence and passion for creating memorable experiences creates a remarkable start to your event planning journey.

  • Mia Wheeler

    VENUE MANAGER

    Mia is our Venue Manager for The Abbott. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Event Management at Iowa State, she went on to do Venue Management/Wedding Coordinating in Iowa before moving to Kansas City in the Fall of 2021. Mia’s passion for the hospitality industry, along with her drive to create positive guest experience, landed her the All Star award at the Vendor Choice Awards in February 2023, with The Abbott also winning Venue of the Year. Outside of the event world, Mia finds herself enjoying the gym, quality time with loved ones, and the outdoors.

  • Peyton Hassenflu

    Marketing Coordinator

    Meet Peyton Hassenflu, our Marketing Coordinator. Peyton's journey in the world of marketing began at the University of Arkansas, where she graduated in 2022 with a degree in Journalism, specializing in Advertising and Public Relations, and complemented it with a minor in English. A true Kansas City native, Peyton returned to her hometown from Bentonville, AR, bringing with her a wealth of experience and boundless creativity that enriches our team. She wears many hats, skillfully managing our social media accounts, devising innovative marketing strategies, and crafting captivating graphic design assets and compelling copywriting. Peyton is our go-to for all things marketing within the company. Her approach is always strategic, and her keen eye for detail ensures that every project resonates with our audience, helping us convey our brand's message effectively.