Nutrinews

W h a t m a d e y o u p u r s u e
t h e c a r e e r o f b e i n g a
C h e f ?
I graduated from UF with a degree in public
relations but realized I didn’t want to go to an
office and wear pantyhose. That led me to
searching for a different career path. I have
always loved cooking for people, so I saw
culinary school as a great
opportunity for me to expand that passion. I
saw many things!
I’ve served wine at the top of the world trade
center and traveled the world during my time
in the culinary field.
W h a t w o u l d y o u s a y i s
t h e b i g g e s t c h a l l e n g e
t h a t y o u f a c e i n t h i s
f i e l d ?
I have found that it is hard to find the right
person for the job. This ranges from
employees to volunteers that really want to do
this kind of work with passion. You’re not in it
for the big bucks, you're in it because your
heart is in it.
D o y o u h a v e a n y
a d v i c e f o r t h o s e
p u r s u i n g t h i s c a r e e r ?
I would absolutely say get yourself out there!
Volunteer as much as you can and talk to
people. Making contacts and networking will
help you find the group of people that you want
to walk with. Eventually you will find people that
recognize your desire to do something, and they
will help you!
W h a t i s y o u r m a i n
t i t l e / r o l e h e r e a t U N F ?
My primary role is as an instructor in the Nutrition
and Dietetics program. I am also chef educator at
MOW and the Associate Director of the Center for
Nutrition and Food Security.
D o y o u h a v e a f u n f a c t
a b o u t y o u r s e l f t h a t
y o u ’ d l i k e t o s h a r e ?
A fun fact about me is that I am a big sailor! I’ve
sailed to the Bahamas three times and back and I
just recently sailed to the British Virgin Islands.
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