Where are you from? 
Rochester N.Y

Have you always been a chef? If not, what else have you done?
I was in retail for 25 years, working for a large warehouse store and managed a cash office making deposits and researching shortages.

What was your introduction to cooking/baking? 
As a young child I loved being in the kitchen, following recipes and baking on my own. 

Where and how did you train? 
Wegmans taught me a lot and how to decorate cakes. Savoias pastry shop taught me wedding cakes and pastries. I started at 19 years old.

Do you like cooking at home or prefer someone else do it? 
I prefer someone else to cook on my down time, LOL!

What is your favorite thing to bake?  Favorite sweet to eat? 
My favorite thing to bake would have to be chocolate cake, the smell always gets me!  My favorite sweet to eat would be almond paste cookies with slivered almonds.

Is there a chef you admire the most?  Who and why? 
Sylvia Weinstock is amazing!  She makes the most beautiful cakes and has been doing it for decades!  I admire her and her work.  

What is your favorite food? 
I love fajitas! Sizzling steak, shrimp and chicken yum! 

When it comes to working and creativity, are you an early bird or a night owl?
I am a total early bird! That’s when I have the most brain power.

What is the one kitchen item you absolutely can’t do without? 
My KitchenAid mixer - It’s so versatile!