Education
- M.S. – Ferris State University
- B.S. - Illinois State University
- A.A.A.S. - Grand Rapids Community College
What are the strengths of SICE's Program?
SICE is a highly successful program because its faculty is diverse in their expertise and the facilities are excellent. The amount of hands-on classes far exceeds the national norm. Our focus is to prepare you to succeed in a competitive industry and help you plan your future. SICE continues to lead the industry in developing culinary education programs at a very competitive price. We are passionate about what we teach, and it shows.
What do you like best about being a SICE professor?
Being a professor at SICE allows me to continue to grow professionally and share that growth with you. I love inspiring students to develop critical thinking skills as they learn about baking and how baking science connects the function of ingredients. In addition, I work beside world-class chefs and collaborate with them on a daily basis.
What do you know now that you wished you knew when you first started out?
Work hard to create ‘balance’ in life. One reason I am passionate about the Personal Chef career path is that it allows for balance in a chef’s life as their culinary and personal goals evolve.
Continue pursuing your education. Do as much as you can when you can because the more you know, the more opportunities you will have in whatever culinary path you choose.
Learn early to set goals. Do not lose sight of your goals and once you achieve them, set another goal.
What is your current obsession?
Seriously, I am obsessed with so many things. I am an ‘all in’ kind of individual.
From a curriculum perspective, I continue to be passionate about private home culinary services. As a chef, there is incredible professional satisfaction when I can connect directly with those who enjoy my food.
The Personal Chef program has grown and as a response to students, we now offer an Advanced Personal Chef course. Students cook for clients and hone their personal chef businesses. It has been incredibly rewarding. As the program evolves, we are looking into aligning the Personal Chef course with the strong medical presence in Grand Rapids.
Who is your hero? Why?
I have so many heroes…my parents, for offering lifelong support through every phase of my life; my friends, for trying to bring out the best in me; and so many of my professional colleagues, for raising the industry bar and reminding me that ‘excellence’ always matters.
I believe that we are all heroes to someone, and can always be our own hero. Be awesome every day and become your own hero.
Courses taught:
- CA 104 Bakery
- CA 124 Retail Bakery
- CA 251 Personal/Private Chef
- CA 252 Advanced Personal/Private Chef
Get a Taste of Success!
Contact me with any questions that you have about the opportunities a career as a personal chef might offer.
