Player Development

Meet your Player Development team! Whether it's dinner reservations, promotions, offers, or Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana's next exclusive event our PD team is ready to offer you an amplified gaming experience.

Alexander Diaz

Casino Host

Hello from Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana! My name is Alexander Diaz. I was raised in Griffith, Indiana and recently purchased my first home in The Region. I began my casino career as a Table Games Dealer and am thrilled to now be part of the Player Development team. I recently received my Master’s degree in Public Administration and have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Indiana University Northwest. Some of my hobbies are doing yoga, weighting lifting, playing guitar, singing, and gaming. My mission is to provide superb customer service and inform my guests of all their available Hard Rockin’ offers & perks. I look forward to creating memorable experiences for you at Hard Rock.

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Allison Mager

Player Development Executive

Hi! I’m Allison Mager. After graduating from the University of Illinois and a short career in broadcasting, I found my true calling in the gaming industry. With over 25 years in the business, I understand what it takes to exceed expectations and provide a rockstar experience! From our first day of operation through today, I love creating unforgettable memories and building relationships with new and returning guests. Once you feel the energy at our casino, restaurants and live performances, you’ll quickly understand why this is the place to be! In my spare time, I love to be with my family, attending concerts and sporting events, or volunteering on the Board of Directors for Will County Habitat for Humanity.

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Clarice Hill

Casino Host

“Hello Clarice” Now let’s pause for a moment and let your shivers subside…and you can call me Reese! I have a Communications Degree from South Suburban College and love Public Relations. I am a fan of vocabulary and enjoy learning different languages and cultures. I dabble in home renovations and have several other hidden talents I can’t wait to tell you about. I look forward to building long lasting relationships with all my Hard Rock Northern Indiana guests. PS Being your Host is my favorite career thus far!

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Donna Starkey

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Donna Starkey. I was born and raised in the Midwest and currently reside in Northwest Indiana. I started my career in the casino industry in 2001 as a Beverage Server - over time I transitioned into a Beverage Supervisor, Hospitality Host, Players Club Supervisor and eventually Executive Host. The most rewarding part of my career are the heartfelt relationships I’ve constructed and maintained over the years with my guests. When I am not at work, I like spending time with my daughter or you can find me on our boat with my first mate, Tom. Another big part of my life is also finding loving homes for lost and helpless four-legged friends!

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I-Chun Storer

Executive Casino Host

Hi! My name is I-Chun Storer. I was born and raised in Taiwan and came to U.S. in my early twenties to attend college. I started my career in the gaming industry as a VIP Hospitality Host and worked my way up as Multicultural Inside Sales and Asian Executive Host. I recently joined the Player Development team in December of 2021. The best part of being a casino host is meeting new people every day and helping my guests to understand what Hard Rock Casino has to offer. On my off days, I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoying a nice cup of boba milk tea!

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Jeff Haupt

Executive Casino Host

Hey there! My name is Jeff. I was born and raised in Chicagoland. I initially studied broadcast meteorology for my love of weather, but my path led me to completing my bachelor's in Marketing & PR. After school, I have spent most of my career as an executive search and communications professional. My parents started me in Kindermusik at age 3, and have been playing the piano and vocals ever since. My favorite music artist is Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac. Bringing people together from all facets of life is what I truly enjoy doing and I look forward to continuing to do so here at Hard Rock! I’ll see you at the party!

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Jianye "JJ" Shao

Executive Casino Host

Hello, my name is Jianye (JJ) Shao. I was raised in Guang Dong, China and moved to LaPorte, Indiana, in 1995. I began my gaming career in 2012 starting out as a dealer and working my way up to where I am today. I began working at this property in May of 2021, starting as Executive Casino Host. My favorite part of being a host is helping to create memorable experiences and being able to build lasting relationships with my guests through travel and sharing meals at awesome restaurants. I enjoy getting to meet all kinds of people. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, fishing, and hunting.

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Kelvin Chen

Executive Casino Host

Hello! My name is Kelvin Chen, I am an Executive Casino Host at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. I began my career in the casino industry in 2012 as a Dealer, and quickly become a Floor Supervisor in 2015. I took my new role as the Executive Casino Host this year in the beginning of 2022. The languages that I speak fluently are English and Chinese (Cantonese). I spend majority of my time in the Baccarat room, and I enjoy getting to know the players. In my spare time, I like to travel and play Mah-Jong.

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Lawrence Mak

Executive Casino Host

Hello there, my name is Lawrence Mak and I was born and raised in the “Region”. I’m a sucker for a good (or bad) dad joke and in my free time I enjoy making music and am currently playing drums for a Surf Rock band. In my 10 years in the industry, I’ve worked in various F&B and Marketing roles. My latest stop in the Player Development department has definitely been the best thus far. As the Player Development Coordinator since opening day at Hard Rock Northern Indiana, I’ve been able to learn about so many aspects of the industry. Now as an Executive host, I can’t wait to use all I have learned to provide guests with an unforgettable Rockin’ Experience!

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Ly Voong

Player Development Executive

My name is Ly Voong, I am currently working as an Executive Casino Host at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. I have been in the casino industry for over 12 years - mostly in Chicagoland. I am well known by our Asian communities whom I enjoy working with immensely. I speak fluently English, Vietnamese and Chinese (both Mandarin & Cantonese). I love talking to people and enjoy getting to know new friends. In my free time I love playing soccer, fishing, and taking my boat to explore rivers in Chicago.

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Michael Hynes

Executive Casino Host

Hello! My name is Michael and I go by my last name: “Hynes”. I was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, lived in Orlando, Florida for 20 years, and am new to the Midwest. Want to know why I traded palm trees for zero degrees? Just ask! I am also fairly new to the casino industry but backed by an extensive 22 years within the music, entertainment and hospitality industries. My favorite part of being a host is meeting people, hearing their stories, and establishing relationships. When I am not at work, I am in the studio producing music, stressing myself out watching my favorite teams, traveling, or relaxing on or at the lake with a cold beer.

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Michelle Krouse

Executive Casino Host

Hello, My name is Michelle Krouse. I was born in Chicago, IL and moved away shortly as a young adult but I’ve come back to the city where I now live with my husband. I began working in the casino industry in 1995, at a property in Elgin, IL, as a players club representative and was promoted to Host shortly after starting. Over the years I’ve held various positions, mostly in the slot department. I enjoy building relationships with guests and being part of events. On my off days I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren on outdoor adventures hiking or checking out a museum, maybe an off Broadway performance, or finding a new place to explore.

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Nick Ilickovich

Player Development Executive

Greetings!! My Name is Nick Ilickovich. I have been in the casino industry over 25 years and have enjoyed every minute. It’s passion and pride that drive me to meet and engage with Hard Rock Northern Indiana’s guests. Providing authentic experiences that rock is very rewarding and I love watching our guests win! Take it from a guy that’s been around the casino block, if you’re looking for energy and excitement, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is the place for you!!!

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Sami Howell

Casino Host

I’m a Midwest gal head to toe! I started in the casino industry in 1994 as a valet attendant in Peoria, Illinois. Once I turned 21, I knew I wanted to be a craps dealer and moved to Indiana to attend dealer school. After many great years dealing & supervising in the table games department, I left the industry to raise my beautiful daughter. Now after 15 years of being a stay at home mom, it is time for me to get back to my second love - the lights, the action, the CASINO!!!! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising & occasionally driving a little too fast in my convertible. You can also find me watching college football and cheering on my Ohio State Buckeyes.

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Tijana Vojinovic

Executive Casino Host

Hello, my name is Tijana Vojinovic. I am a native of Belgrade, Serbia. I have been in the gaming industry over 10 years with experience that spans across several areas, from dealing blackjack, supervising slots, marketing supervisor to Casino Host and currently as an Executive Host. I am very passionate about taking care of my guests so they can have an amazing gaming experience every time! In my spare time I like to work out, read, and hangout with Al Pacino, Kiki and Mic- my cats.

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Yonatan Sanchez

Executive Casino Host

Hi there! My name is Yonatan “Yonny”. I was born and raised in Mexico before coming to Northwest Indiana in 1998. I currently reside in Hammond, Indiana with my three beautiful kids and wife. I have more than 9 years of experience working across many departments throughout the casino industry where I’ve had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. As an Executive Host, I will assist guests with their entertainment gaming experience and will be happy to assist you to make your visit memorable and one that you will cherish. I truly enjoy making guests happy and developing long lasting relationships here at Hard Rock Casino. The fun you will have with us, where the possibilities are endless, is something I gladly anticipate. Once you experience the excitement and energy, you will understand that this is the place to be!

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