Culinary Arts

Students will learn the fundamentals of basic cookery and expand to creating gourmet foods, artistic presentations, and become part of a team that creates a recipe for success in the hospitality industry. As more Americans are eating out, culinary careers continue to grow at a steady pace. The need for high level food preparation, event planning, management, and leadership skills are in demand. Working in restaurants and other eateries are steady sources of employment.

Program Description

Students in the LISD TECH Center’s Culinary Arts program learn to manage real-world kitchen challenges in a classroom that doubles as a commercial kitchen and is fully equipped with institutional cooking equipment. Cooking, baking, management, and safety and sanitation practices are the focus of the program. Students will learn to create recipes, prepare meals from scratch, perform basic daily kitchen operations including cost controls, inventory and ordering. Students are involved in planning and coordinating several events throughout the year and cater meals at the LISD TECH Center. This program helps develop leadership skills through these events as well as participation in several competitions.

To Be Successful

Successful students work independently or as a team member. Having access to internet, good communication skills, motivation to move with a purpose, and the ability to manage time effectively also are helpful skills. Students must have good attention to detail as well as high cleanliness and professional behavior standards.

Textbook Reading Level: College

Student Organization

ProStart
DECA

Dawn Stetler

Instructor

Dawn Stetler is excited to be a part of the Culinary Arts team at the LISD TECH Center.  Her journey in education started in an elementary school, where Dawn discovered just how much she enjoyed helping students learn and grow.  Over time, Dawn realized she wanted to do more and follow her passion for cooking and baking.

 She was the Baking Technician within the SWWC Consortium at Saline High School. She also worked at a small business bakery in Chelsea.  Now, Dawn gets to combine both worlds: teaching and food.  Every day she will get to watch students build confidence in the kitchen, explore their creativity, and learn skills they can carry for a lifetime; whether they’re preparing for a career in culinary arts or just learning to cook for themselves.  Dawn has wanted to lead a classroom of her own, and with a passion for cooking and love for working with young people, she has found the perfect fit as the Culinary Arts instructor.

Email Dawn Stetler

Lindsay Kent's photo

Teacher Assistant

Lindsay Kent is excited to join the Culinary Arts program as a Teacher Assistant. She is passionate about helping students build real-world skills and eager to share her expertise to enrich their educational journey.

Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and brings over 20 years of experience in the food service industry. Most recently, she served as the Food Service Director at Columbia School District for nine years. Her diverse background also includes roles as General Manager at Taco Bell, Front of House Manager at The Laundry, HR Assistant at Michigan State University, and an internship at the Bay Harbor Yacht Club.

She looks forward to working creatively with students in the classroom and supporting them as they pursue their future goals.

Holly Rossi

Teacher Assistant

Holly Rossi has been part of the culinary industry since 2015, working as a baker, cake decorator, and customer service professional. For the past six years Holly worked at The Cookie Lady bakery. She has a true passion for her craft and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.

In her free time, Holly loves reading, crafting, and spending time with her 3-year-old son. She also enjoys traveling with family and friends, whether relaxing at a resort or camping in the great outdoors. Holly is excited to join the LISD TECH Center and looks forward to working with everyone.