Our Staff

I have worked and played in the hospitality industry my entire life. My career path began in a garden in a vacant lot in Queens, and has led me around the world (and around the kitchen) since then. Variety is the spice of my life – I love the ongoing challenge of my role as Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Harvest Moon Catering, and I love the quieter moments I spend as husband and father. Each new experience only strengthens my commitment to the highest quality food and the service and style that go along with it.

My grandfathers were a Swedish butcher and a florist, and my mom was a teacher of Home Economics as I was growing up, so my career around food and events is no surprise. I’d describe myself as practical – my role as Director of Operations and Co-Owner of Harvest Moon Catering builds on my background in food and my organizational skills. Despite my hectic workdays, I love eating at home and am fortunate to have a wife with a Cajun-Louisiana palate and a daughter who loves brisket.

My life has included a career in nursing and the creation and ownership of several Charlottesville restaurants. Being a hometown gal, I have built community in Charlottesville and beyond through philanthropic work – they all say I’m meticulous with details! I love to make every event feel like an intimate dinner with friends – casual and elegant, relaxed and perfect.

When we reflect on our lives, the moments that so often stand out do so because they
mark something significant around which loved ones assemble, sharing each other, a
beautiful meal, and hopefully lots of laughter. For the past 24 years I have worked for
local businesses, such as Duner’ s and Fry’ s Spring Beach Club among others, to produce,
facilitate and execute these meaningful and celebratory times. I am privileged to continue
this work with the Harvest Moon team and our clients. In my previous positions, I have cultivated a love for the dance between food and wine and would be happy to consult with you on a tasting or wine for your event.

I am a professional organizer turned event coordinator.  Add my 13 years experience in all facets of the restaurant industry to my resume and you have a match made in heaven.  I love to add unique touches to every event I am a part of and will make sure there is a seamless flow throughout the day so that you don’t have to worry about the details.  It’s not every day that a person finds their dream job and I am so very honored to be a part of Harvest Moon Catering.

My family history of a long line of cooks has led me through my experiences in Four-Star Seafood restaurants in Canada and fine dining Country Clubs in downtown Houston. But catering is my passion. I delight in the ability to feed hundreds and the plating, beauty and timing feeds my excitement and exuberance for the culinary arts. I received my degree in culinary arts from the the Art Institute of Houston, with honors, which is also where I perfected my skills in Tex-Mex and BBQ!

I land back at Harvest Moon after first catering with the company when I moved to Charlottesville as a teenager. Through my passion for culinary arts with a focus on sustainability, I have built longstanding relationships with local farmers and agricultural resources.  I was instrumental in building the Red Hen in Lexington with Tucker Yoder, now Executive Chef at Clifton Inn. We prided ourselves on sourcing up to 90% local food with an emphasis on sustainability. Previously I was Sous Chef at Ivy Inn, Chef at L’Toile, and hosted a farmer’s market and cooking classes with Ben Thompson at the Rock Barn in Nelson County. I bring to Harvest Moon my array of experience all centered on this amazing area and the bountiful food it produces.

Most people know me as head chef at C & O Restaurant in downtown Charlottesville for 18 years. Previously I worked in California for 3.5 years in New American Cuisine at the renowned Stars restaurant. I am a Charlottesville local and feel very invested in this community and utilizing local ingredients whenever possible. In my position with Harvest Moon I enjoy working with clients to make their day special and being an important part of their celebration. When I’m not working at Harvest Moon, you can find me up in the mountains hiking with my daughter.

Combining 26 years in Food Service, along with 10 years in Music and Events, I am Harvest Moon’s ‘Den Mother’, and mother to three beautiful daughters as well.  As Staffing Coordinator at Harvest Moon, I manage up to 70 plus people at any given time and pride myself on connecting and accommodating staff and clients alike. As Captain I enjoy working each event from beginning to end and making sure our client as well as their guests receive the best service possible.