Meet Our Leaders

Meet Karen Knight — Co-Founder, Krewe of Phoenix

An Ocean Springs local with a vision years in the making, Karen dreamed up the Krewe of Phoenix long before it hit the pavement — and with her best friend Paula Curtis by her side, she finally got this train rolling. She's been celebrating Mardi Gras since her college days at USM, and her love for the season runs deep. At home, she's mom to Aryn (31) and Kyrian (13), and staff to her two cats, Blossom and Quinn. An 80s baby through and through, Karen runs on hairbands, old-school rock 'n' roll, and an endless supply of Dr. Pepper —

Meet Paula Curtis — Co-Founder, Krewe of Phoenix

An Ocean Springs local and flying solo (happily, thank you very much), Paula is mom to Aurora and Maggie, plus a full lineup of four-legged roommates: Remy the Chihuahua and her two black cats — Rogue, and Jade. She's been celebrating Mardi Gras since moving to the coast in July 2012, and says just about every friend she's made here, she owes to the season. Alongside her best friend Karen Knight, she helped turn the Krewe of Phoenix from a long-running daydream into the real thing. When she's not reading or chasing fresh air outside, Paula runs on 80s classics, a little heavy rock, and a steady stream of milkshakes.

Meet Paula Smith — Ball Captain, Krewe of Phoenix

A Gulfport gal with a "yes, and…" spirit, Paula caught the Mardi Gras bug at her very first parade in 2019 — and when Karen posted about joining a krewe, she jumped in without knowing a single soul. Fast forward to now, and she's running the show as this year's Ball Captain. At home, she's wife to Brian and mom to Tyler, Taylor, and Colton, with three sidekicks underfoot: Angel, Bridget, and Chewy. Paula lives for reading, concerts, and everything Mardi Gras, listens to literally every kind of music (seriously, everything), and keeps it classy with a cold glass of water in hand. She's proof that saying yes to one parade can change your whole life. 

Meet Leslie — Line Captain, Krewe of Phoenix

A Pensacola local with saltwater in her veins (and by her own admission, a little bit mermaid), Leslie is happiest anywhere near the ocean — swimming, camping, or just soaking up the sunshine. She's a proud mom to daughters Jade and Kennedy, grandmother to Hiram, and pet parent to her pup Zen. Mardi Gras has been in her blood since her dad's shoulders were the best seat at the parade. She rolled with Les Belles Fleurs for three years, and reigned as Maid of Fire. She has been in Hera's for four years. She is a Charter member of the Krewe of Phoenix — where she's served as Line Lieutenant, led Events and Fundraising, and now captains her lines with style. Leslie believes music speaks when words can't, loves every genre under the sun, and firmly holds that a margarita makes just about anything better.

Meet Jennifer — Treasurer, Krewe of Phoenix

An Ocean Springs local keeping the krewe's books (and the good times) in balance, Jennifer is partnered with Bucky Harris and mom to Kadie and Nicholas, plus Luna, their beautiful Siberian Husky. She grew up attending parades with family, but didn't dive into krewe life herself until late 2014 — and just wrapped her 10th season on the route. In 2024, she and Bucky shared the spotlight in Hera's Court, where Jennifer served as Maid and Bucky reigned as Duke. When she's not crunching numbers for Phoenix, you'll find her curled up with a good book, out on the water boating with her crew, or raising a glass to another season well spent. She loves all kinds of music and brings that same easy, all-in spirit to everything she does.

Meet ReGina Harvey — Social Media Coordinator, Krewe of Phoenix

An Ocean Springs local who's been celebrating Mardi Gras her entire life, ReGina is married to her high school sweet heart, Bryant and proud mama of three — plus "Grammy" to two sweet grandsons. 

At home, the crew rounds out with cats Diamond and Rusty and dogs Tate, Lou, and Evie. In 30 years of Mardi Gras, she's rolled with five krewes and worn just about every hat — Captain, Co-Captain, Treasurer, Social Media, and Maid five times (still chasing that Queen title!). A Charter member of Phoenix, ReGina and Bryant were also honored to serve as one of the krewe's very first Maid and Duke pairs — Go Team Lannister! These days, she channels her creativity into her favorite role yet: Social Media Coordinator for the krewe. When she's not posting, parading, or planning the next big thing, you'll find her writing children's books, advocating for change, crafting, and kicking back with classic rock and a vodka cranberry in hand.

Meet Shalimar — Secretary, Krewe of Phoenix

A St. Martin local keeping the krewe organized and on track, Shalimar has been by Thomas Bliss's side for nearly 26 years (November makes it official!). She's mom to Sheena, Thomas, and Dakotah, grandmother to five, and the proud human of a trio of pups: Savannah the Rottweiler, Sadie the Dachshund, and Shiloh the Beagle. She spent six years with the North Bay Area Mardi Gras Association, served as Maid in 2024, and joined the Krewe of Phoenix in 2025. When she's not taking notes or rolling down the route, Shalimar is likely at the bowling alley, calling bingo numbers, or unwinding with a RumChata, Fireball, or White Russian — though a Sprite or sweet tea will do just fine too. She loves a little bit of every kind of music and brings that same welcoming, all-in energy to everything she does.

Meet Kari — Events Coordinator, Krewe of Phoenix

A St. Martin local born and raised in Mobile, AL, Kari has been steeped in Mardi Gras culture and tradition since before she could walk. She's married to Ashton Orris and mom to Khloe (15), Chatham (12), and Madelyn (9), with a full house of fur babies rounding out the crew — Izzy the dog and cats Zoe and Archie. A Charter member now entering her third year with the krewe, Kari has proudly served as Line Lieutenant for the past two seasons and steps into her role as Events Coordinator with big energy and even bigger ideas. When she's not planning the next Phoenix gathering, you'll find her crafting, dancing to anything with a beat, or hosting a game night with family and friends. Fuel of choice? A Coke Zero by day, Peach Crown and cranberry by night. 

Meet Michelle — Historian, Krewe of Phoenix

A D'Iberville local originally from Houma, LA, Michelle grew up immersed in Mardi Gras culture — even if her family never joined a krewe of their own. Now in her second year with Phoenix, she's the one keeping the krewe's stories, memories, and milestones safely on the record. At home, she's married to her husband Jayson Lee and proud cat-mom to four feline housemates. When she's not documenting krewe history, you'll find Michelle chasing thrills at theme parks, dancing through music festivals, and rocking out to 90s alternative or EDC. Her drink of choice swings from a crisp Dr. Pepper Zero to a perfectly stirred Old Fashioned, depending on the vibe — and honestly, both suit her just fine.

A Biloxi local by way of Hattiesburg, Miriam is dating Ray Carter and is a proud mom of three and grandmother of three. She's a Belhaven College graduate with a degree in Accounting, a licensed Health and Life Insurance agent, and an active member of Biloxi First United Methodist Church. Her full house includes two dogs and a parrot — though she'll happily tell you her favorite pet of all time was her beloved pig! When she's not at work or church, you'll find her curled up with a good book, traveling somewhere new, playing the piano, or sipping a glass of wine with the people she loves most. For Miriam, life is all about family, faith, and a whole lot of fun — and now, as Parade Coordinator, she's making sure every step of the route runs as smoothly as it rolls.