Professionally trained Chef turned Academic, Educator & Entrepreneur. Weaving together my diverse knowledge of our food system and a strong research background, I am passionate about strengthening our food system through community participation and social innovation.On Food: After working full time as a Chef for 5 years, aware of many cracks in our food system, I returned to school to complete a BA: Double major in Sustainability and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University. As a Chef, I've worked in a wide variety of settings, including fine dining, event catering, private Chef work, and even cooking in the Costa Rican Jungle for 800+ people. I also taught dozens of workshops and cooking classes. I continue to do occasional event catering and am always open to teaching opportunities.Food Systems: Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work for several organizations exploring how to improve and repair systems, and have been involved in a number of community projects.Some highlights include:- Helping start and run a brand new farmers market at a Community College Campus - Building a brand new community garden from the ground up as part of the United Nations Association of Canada Green Spaces Program- Working with Farmers Markets of Nova Scotia to conduct research & community engagement sessions to better understand barriers to scaling up local food systems.With my 10+ years of experience from all levels of the food system, I am now helping to connect the web with my new Company, Food Web. Other Skills & Experience:Non Profit: Have worked with and served on the Board of Directors for 4 Non-Profits. I have experience with Non profit law/policy, bylaw amendments, project creation/management, hiring, HR issues.Consulting: I've worked on a diversity of projects, from research heavy proposal writing, to team building and recruitment to start and launch a new program. Research: & Community Outreach/Consultation: Extensive experience doing community engagement, hosting public consultations, client out reach, surveys. Strong reading and writing skills.Teaching: Along with years of teaching cooking classes, I've spent the last 3 years working as a teaching assistant at Dalhousie University in the College of Sustainability. Classes taught include:- RBC Sustainability Leadership Certificate- SUST 1001: Sustainable Future- SUST 2000: Local Governance and Sustainability- SUST 3108: Green Finance & ESG Investing- SUST 3104: Sustainability and the Non-Profit Sector