Chef Biography

My passion for cooking began as a child spending time in the kitchen with my Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother preparing dishes like chicken and dumplings. I would help my mother prepare wonderful home-style meals  to serve to my step father's business clients that came to dinner several times a week.

While other children were watching Sesame Street, I was watching the greats Julia Child and Graham Kerr and boy could they cook!

After high school, I studied to become a dietician at Chicago’s YMCA college. Later I worked as a live-in cook for several clients.  As a former travel agency owner, I had the opportunity to travel with groups to explore and savor the cuisine of many different countries That experience served to further my love for cooking and great food.

After a lifetime of cooking, baking, and catering for events, friends, family; I decided to start a Personal Chef Service. In August 2002 I completed the home study course for Personal Chefs offered by the Personal Chef Network.

I am also a charter member of the Personal Chefs Cooperative.

What people find most fascinating is that I am a totally blind chef.  I use all the traditional tools when cooking.  I can't see the ingredients in my dishes, but my heightened sense of touch guides me and gives a whole new dimension to the cooking experience.  I develop a tactile relationship with the food. Chef Doug is also my Sous chef and accompanies me to most of my culinary events.  Click here to read Doug's bio.

Today, I work hard to create meals for my clients with all the love and attention I give the meals I prepare for my own friends and family.

I serve clients in the Portland and Vancouver metro areas and the surrounding communities.