I love being a part of an amazing culture of like-minded food innovators, with mutual respect and desire to learn and grow as a team to support our clients. I fully support our mission as clean label, plant-forward innovators.
Hometown:
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have worked in the food industry for 30+ years in Australia, California, New Zealand, Oregon, and Washington. I grew up in Portland, Oregon on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge on the river and still feels like home even though I’m now working in the Seattle area.
What Inspires Me:
I love outdoor adventures, creating and eating delicious food. Learning about new and old techniques creating and preserving food…reading and listening and watching all things "food."
Guiltiest Food Pleasure:
Chocolate, cheese, gelato - Italian fresh market! Seasonal fresh foods…papaya off the tree in Kauai. Backpacking meals….food always tastes better when at camp. Hiking picnics in style the James Beard way.
When I'm Not on the Bench:
You can find me getting my fitness on at CrossFit, playing basketball, snowboarding, or at the beach trying to surf! I love spending time doing random and adventurous things with family and friends, too!
Area of Specialization:
During my 30 years of product development experience, I have worked in plant-based formulation, meat and cheese analogs, juices, bars, and fermented foods, to honestly name just a few.
Oh, and I'm still proud of being a member of the Oregon State University Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation team that won a 2nd place all products award back in the day. Sensory evaluation has been an important part of my career and skill set!
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Food Science and Technology - Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon