The ͵ÅÄйÃÜ Los Angeles Admissions team

Meet the ͵ÅÄйÃÜ Admissions Team

Your ͵ÅÄйÃÜ Admissions representative is your first introduction to the ͵ÅÄйÃÜ community, and one of your greatest assets in planning your future in culinary arts.

Whether you're planning your new career or first career, you'll be matched with the ͵ÅÄйÃÜ Admissions Representative that best understands your background and needs. They're your advisor and guide, helping you determine which path is best for your aspirations and the steps to take to get there.

 

Our New York Admissions Team

fred-cesarano

Fred Cesarano, Director of Admissions

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ New York, New York

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 1998

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Meeting graduates 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Growing up on the Upper East Side, I have enjoyed the best tasting cheesecake in local bakeries and the best fettuccini Alfredo from top restaurants in New York City. You can say I'm spoiled. When dinning anywhere outside of the city, I truly miss the NYC experience.

samantha-barr

Samantha Barr, Senior Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Brooklyn, New York

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2021

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: I’m a food nerd! I love being able to talk about all things food, beverage and restaurants. I am constantly looking up new spots to eat at…if you have recommendations send them my way!

Best thing I ever ate: Ajo blanco soup in Mexico and traditional gumbo from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans

sebastian-boyd

Sebastian Boyd, Admissions Representative

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022 
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Seeing the students in class pursuing their dreams with smiles on their faces and enjoying every moment
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maryland crab cakes

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Carleigh Dilley, Admissions Support Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Houston, Texas

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2025

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Meeting hardworking and passionate students that are working towards achieving their dreams. The amazing food is also a big plus!
 
Best thing I ever ate: I'd have to say Tex-Mex food. I eat it every time I go back home to Texas!

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Ryan Gamble, Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Iowa City, Iowa

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The family share table.
 
Best thing I ever ate: anything from 'Stella' in Iowa City

sarah-harvey

Sarah Harvey, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Fred Cesarano’s jokes
 
Best thing I ever ate: Steak, steak and steak

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Camellia Mariscal, Senior Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Sacramento, California

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2025

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Getting to support students as they work toward their dreams-- it's such a rewarding experience!
 
Best thing I ever ate: Anything my family makes-- traditional Mexian food always feels like home.

joe-munoz

Joe Munoz III, Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Carrollton, Texas

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022

Favorite things about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The privilege to work with students of all ages and backgrounds, united in taking the brave step to follow their interests, the creativity that results from such a diverse student body and the chance to sample delicious fine cuisine daily

Best thing I ever ate: Ask me on different days and you are sure to get different answers, but the experience that springs to mind is Capital City Bakery in Austin, Texas — a 100% vegan bakery with delicious treats!

amy-rankin

Amy Rankin, Associate Director of Admissions Support

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Jamestown, Pennsylvania 

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2016

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: I have a huge passion for education so getting to help others pursue their career is amazing. I also love working with all of the staff here at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ. 
 
Best thing I ever ate: It’s hard to pick just one thing. I am a big sweets person but I love anything Italian. 
 

margarita-rivera

Margarita Rivera, Senior Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Queens, New York

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: When I first meet the students, seeing how excited they are in pursuing their dreams and how proud they are of the food they make in their classes
 
Best thing I ever ate: Grilled octopus at the Greek Grill in Howard Beach, New York — so good!

adrianne-russell

Adrianne Russell, Admissions Representative

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Houston, Texas

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2020

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: It’s so rewarding to work with students who are excited about their future and have an undeniable passion for this industry! 

Best thing I ever ate: There is no way I could even begin to answer this! My favorite food is Vietnamese, but that’s about as specific as I can get. 

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Derrick Tiwari, Assistant Director of Admissions

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Brooklyn, New York

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Helping prospective students live their dreams and achieve their goals.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Tikka masala chicken and naan

ron-toomer

Ron Toomer, Associate Director of Admissions

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Queens, New York

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2014

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Working with students who are excited about starting their careers in the industry, also seeing them evolve throughout the year
 
Best thing I ever ate: Everything is always good! 

adam-truelove

Adam Truelove, Assistant Director of Admissions

±á´Ç³¾±ð³Ù´Ç·É²Ô:​ Waterbury, Connecticut

Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The admissions team makes things fun on a daily basis.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maccheroni alla chitarra with sea urchin and crab meat

Our Los Angeles and Online Programs Admissions Team

Gabriela Arzate

Gabriela Arzate, Regional Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Los Angeles, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2020
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The energy and enthusiasm of the staff, faculty and students at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ!
 
Best thing you ever ate: Mole Chilaquiles

Stephanie Asavapibhop, Admissions Support Coordinator

Stephanie Asavapibhop, Admissions Support Coordinator

Hometown:​ Arleta, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The people I work with and the students I meet
 
Best thing you ever ate: Mangosteen Fruit from Thailand

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James Bowman, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ San Francisco, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Having the opportunity to help people pursue their passion
 
Best thing you ever ate: 40-hour braised short rib with yam puree

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Amber Byrne, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Sylmar, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The people and the environment!
 
Best thing you ever ate: Matu Philly Cheesesteak

Stephanie Contreras, Receptionist

Stephanie Contreras, Receptionist

Hometown:​ Duarte, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2019
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Meeting the students and getting to hear about their passion when they start school and their journey throughout the process  
 
Best thing you ever ate: Prime Rib at Lawry’s

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Karina Ebanks, Admissions Support Coordinator

Hometown:​ Pasadena, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The school's diverse environment and being able to try a variety of dishes made by our students!
 
Best thing you ever ate: Grilled yellowtail collar and sashimi

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Yvonne Gutierrez, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Pasadena, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Getting to see the students light up after learning a new skill or recipe
 
Best thing you ever ate: My mother's mexican mole

Jeff Haines works on the admissions team at the ͵ÅÄйÃÜ

Jeff Haines, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Orange County, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2017
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: As a Culinary School graduate myself, I like the full circle element of being able to help prospective students with the process of following their true passion. As well as the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made. 
 
Best thing you ever ate: Brown Sugar Butter Cake, created by my Pastry Chef mentor, Chef Maren

Miriam Martinez, Admissions Representative

Miriam Martinez, Admissions Representative

Hometown: ​Whittier, CA    
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: I love food and enjoy seeing our students grow as they hone their skills.
 
Best thing you ever ate: All of my mom’s cooking, best Mexican food ever!! 

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Alex Pineda, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Los Angeles, CA
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2023
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: Working with diverse students
 
Best thing you ever ate: a steak at Gordon Ramsay Steak

Tammy Polanco

Tammy Polanco, Assistant Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ San Diego, CA 
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2018
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: The culture at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ and everything it stands for!

Best thing you ever ate: Ogorkowa
 

Melissa Rentas

Melissa Rentas, Assistant Director Of Admissions

Hometown:​ La Puente, California 
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2019
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: It’s one of the top schools in the nation…I love that I’m a part of that.

Best thing you ever ate: EVERYTHING at Laduree in Paris!! 
 

Brandon Stevens, Admissions Representative

Brandon Stevens, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Birmingham, Alabama
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2020
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: I enjoy helping students make their dreams a reality.
 
Best thing you ever ate: Cornbread at Manuela’s

Juan Tabanera, Admissions Representative

Juan Tabanera, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ North Hollywood, CA 
 
Working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ͵ÅÄйÃÜ: I enjoy helping others figure out their path to a fulfilling future. 
 
Best thing you ever ate: Chinese Pan fried Noodles at various locations in Downtown Los Angeles.