
Culinary & Hospitality

Love cooking, baking, and hosting events? Our Culinary Arts program gives students the experience of cooking in a professional kitchen environment and preparing banquets for various organizations throughout the semester. This course involves both theory and actual hands on lab and work experience. Successful completion of this program includes the ServSafe certification required of all food service workers today. This grants our students a leg-up on the competition when applying for jobs in the industry. Each year, the Culinary program also hosts a job fair assisting students with the transfer directly into the workforce, or a part-time job to help with higher education costs.
Designed around the nationally acclaimed ProStart program, our courses include an industry-driven curriculum to teach, test and award industry recognized certification to students meeting high standards in food service and restaurant education. ProStart is a two-year curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This state-driven and industry-backed curriculum is based on the knowledge high school students need to be successful in the restaurant industry. Coupled with relevant work-based experiences, this curriculum enriches, enhances, and reinforces what students learn in the classroom and provides students with opportunities to develop and practice skills critical to their future success. By integrating classroom learning with job experiences, ProStart provides students with opportunities to learn and practice important skills related to leadership and responsibility.
These skill sets serve as a foundation to professional, trained, and educated employees. It is a school-to- career path for high school students interested in the restaurant and food service industry.

Program Overview
Designed around the nationally acclaimed ProStart program, our courses include an industry-driven curriculum to teach, test and award industry recognized certification to students meeting high standards in foodservice and restaurant education. ProStart is a two-year curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This state-driven and industry-backed curriculum is based on the knowledge high school students need to be successful in the restaurant industry.
Coupled with relevant work-based experiences, this curriculum enriches, enhances, and reinforces what students learn in the classroom and provides students with opportunities to develop and practice skills critical to their future success. By integrating classroom learning with job experiences, ProStart provides students with opportunities to learn and practice important skills related to leadership and responsibility. These skill sets serve as a foundation to professional, trained, and educated employees. It is a school-to- career path for high school students interested in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
Informational Video

Originally from Texas, I bring over a decade of front-of-house and back-of-house hospitality experience to the line, having managed operations across several small businesses. My teaching journey began at West Iredell High School—a wonderful experience where I earned my chef’s whites in education, guided by an exceptional administration and staff.
By blending my background in hospitality and business management with proven classroom techniques, my recipe for teaching focuses on equipping students with real-world technical skills, leadership, and positive personal growth. I am thrilled to join the Career Academy and Technical School (CATS) family and work alongside your budding culinary talent!
Beyond the Kitchen & Family:
Outside the kitchen, I’m a total lifelong learner—major nerd alert! When I step off the line, you can usually find me devouring a good book, curated with a great music playlist, or gathering fresh inspiration in the great outdoors.
At home, I am happily married and a proud mom to a full ticket of three wonderful kids:
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Oldest Son: Attended CATS for his CNA program in 2021 and graduated from East Carolina University.
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Middle Son: Lives and works in distribution in Hickory, NC.
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Daughter: The youngest of the brigade—and admittedly a bit spoiled!