FACULTY AND STAFf
Committed to Impacting Lives
There is a zero to one degree of separation between all Northwest staff, with no corporate titles or layers of management to stifle our unique talents and best work.
TONY MINICHIELLO
Culinary Instructor,
Founder
Culinary Instructor, co-owner. One of the original founders. The seeds to eventually pursue a life in food were set in childhood from his southern Italian upbringing in Montreal, and further encouraged during summer backpacking adventures in Europe. Studied Chemical Engineering, then Drama and Theatre at McGill University. At 27, he finally made the leap and enrolled at L’Institut de Tourisme et Hôtellerie de Quebec. Personalized his apprenticeship by venturing in various kitchens like a vagabond/detective – a path he does not recommend to those who seek security and affirmation. Successfully owned his own restaurant/catering business. Always a thespian at heart, he taught a cooking class one day and never looked back. He believes in the entrepreneurial attitude that business is not just business but rather an idea expressed and performed with intent and integrity. Cleans windows and buffs floors with delight. Still refuses to own a phone.
LENA HACKENBRUCH
Office Manager,
Co-owner
Office Manager, co-owner. The first voice and contact at Northwest. Absolute master at customer service. Is prompt, clear, thorough, understanding, and has an amazing memory of people’s names and history. Many students have said that their initial contact with Lena confirmed their decision to attend Northwest. Person who receives the most thank-you cards from students at graduation – a testament to her people skills. Being an intimate school, she can see and hear everything that goes on in the kitchens, hence why she is involved in many key decisions made at Northwest. Some people hate their desk job; Lena relishes hers.
WARREN PAHL
Culinary/Pastry Instructor,
Co-owner
Culinary Instructor/Pastry Instructor, co-owner. Born in Saskatoon, which means he’s naturally hard-working, and will cycle to work under any weather condition. Graduated from Dubrulle Culinary School in 1999 when Tony Minichiello was cutting his teeth as a professional instructor. Having worked 9 years at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, and 3 years in Taiwan, Warren is known as the science guy by the students. Extremely curious, which makes him very versatile and able to answer those hard “why does this happen” questions. Is a detailed notetaker, so much so some students wonder why the teacher takes more notes than them. Writes the neatest boards with the best drawings – ever!
JONATHAN KINNEY
Culinary Instructor,
Co-owner
Culinary instructor, co-owner. A 10th generation Canadian who grew up in a household where food was fuel, however, and luckily, education revered. Pursued a BA in History and Geography at the University of Victoria and later a Masters in Public Administration, and owned a management consulting company for 13 years. But food, somewhere in all this, became a passion which simply needed deeper investigation. He attended, after years of pondering, Northwest in 2008, apprenticed at Raincity Grill, worked for 6 years at Culinary Capers Catering, did personal catering, and assisted for many years with Northwest’s evening enthusiast classes. His broad intellect, approachability, research skills, understanding of educational methodologies, business acumen, and friendly interview skills make him very versatile. Wears the most hats on any given day, and is also a great example to students of how to take advantage of your history to move your career along.
ALANA MAAS
Culinary Instructor,
Co-owner
Culinary Instructor, co-owner. Raised in a food-centric family, Alana graduated from Dubrulle Culinary School in 2002, worked in some of the most demanding kitchens in Vancouver, and quickly earned recognition as a leading and coveted chef in the city, successfully running the kitchens at Cru Restaurant and The Hart House. A Chopped Canada winner, her confidence and trust in herself is contagious. Past board member of the Les Dames d’Escoffier chapter of Vancouver, Alana is committed to empower women in her profession. She has an approachable intensity and will call it the way she sees it with a smile, and will give detailed feedback that makes you feel good about learning from your mistakes. This is proof that nurturing mothers make great teachers…and chefs. Has the most uncanny ability to know what’s in house and where everything is.
CHERRIL LEDEATTE-MATTHEW
Lead Pastry Instructor,
Co-owner
Pastry Instructor. Cherril came to Northwest as a student and never left, a good example of a bonafide lifelong learner. Originally from the UK, she moved to Vancouver and attended Northwest to hone her skills and improve on her experience of running her business creating celebration cakes for individuals and corporate events. Her superpower is Organization – be it the curriculum, the stockroom or life itself. She has a meticulous eye for detail and notices pretty much everything! Her background in Education & Mentoring sets her in good stead to support students through their learning journey, with a positive outlook and words of encouragement that help students to push through challenging times. Need help with notetaking, timelines or getting organized? Go see Cherril and her pack of colourful markers.
ERIC CHENG
Culinary/Pastry Instructor,
Co-owner
Culinary/Pastry Instructor. Eric graduated from Northwest top of his class through sheer work ethic, discipline, and incredible team play. When Northwest hires new staff, it looks internally for those very qualities. Eric not only flourished as a student, but demonstrated a natural ability to coach whenever he volunteered for our evening amateur classes. He works hard at improving himself in all facets, and works under the best chefs in Vancouver on his own time to hone valuable skills. He brings incredible patience, detail, care, and empathy on the line with the students. In many ways, he sets the best example for our students on how to go about their education. Would be hard to find someone who works harder and smarter, and who makes himself more available to others.
Sonsoles Poza Suarez de Urbina
Assistant Pastry Instructor,
Co-owner
Soles holds undergraduate degrees in History and Languages and spent several years teaching Spanish in four countries, including France and England. Now based in Vancouver, she graduated from our one‑year program with distinction and specializes in the pastry arts. A dedicated educator, she excels at delivering clear, theory‑driven instruction to both aspiring professionals and enthusiastic home cooks. Committed to food sustainability, she volunteers with and donates to food‑rescue organizations. Her approach blends rigorous academic insight with hands‑on technique to inspire confidence and creativity in every student.
student success
chanthy yen
Top Chef Canada Winner
Ardy Ferguson
Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
S.Pellegrino Young Chef Competition Winner
Haan Palcu-Chang
Top Chef Canada Runner Up
adam chandler
Owner of Beta5 Chocolates
3 Golds at the 2013 Canadian National Chocolate Awards
WHERE GRADS OWN
Lee Murphy (Culinary, Winter 2004), chef-owner, Vista D’Oro farms and Winery
Todd Baiden (Culinary, Fall 2004), former owner of 12b, Vancouver’s most renowned underground restaurant)
Hana Maufe (Culinary, Fall 2004), Chef/Owner, Oscar’s Cafe, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
Bryan Veal (One Year, Fall 2005), Beez Neez Gourmet Sausage Truck, Portland, USA
Sam Chalmers (Pastry, Winter 2005), former Chef/Owner, North 48 Restaurant, Victoria, BC
Jamie Cummins (One Year Winter 2005), former Chef/Owner, Relish, Victoria, BC
Colton Meisinger (Culinary, Fall 2006), Chef/Owner, Madison Street Sandwich Shop, Wisconsin, USA
Awad Dabit (Culinary, Fall 2006), chef/Owner, Dabeet Restaurant, Iowa, USA
Crystal Pei (Culinary, Winter 2006), Owner, Budin, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Michael Kaisaris (Culinary, Spring 2006), Chef/Owner, Re-Up BBQ, New Westminster, BC
Tyler Duft, (Culinary, Fall 2007), Chef/owner, Duft & Co. Bakehouse, Brickhouse Restaurant, Abbotsford, BC.
Tannis Ling (Culinary, 2008), Owner/Restaurateur, Bao Bei/Kissa Tanto (Best New Restaurant in Canada, 2016), Vancouver. www.kissatanto.com
Nadia Halward (One Year, Winter 2008), Chef/Owner, Mucho Gusto Catering, Prince Rupert, BC
Michelle Fattore (One Year, Winter 2009), Owner, Michelle Rose Photography, Maple Ridge, BC
Haan Palcu-Chang (Culinary, Winter 2009), chef/owner Mama Flo’s, Toronto; former Chef of Le Marie Celeste, Paris, France.
Bayan Ghadrshenas (Culinary, Winter 2009)chef/owner Curb Your Appetit Food Truck, Vancouver BC
Derek Gray (Culinary, Fall 2010), Chef de Cuisine, (award-winning) Co-owner/Chef, Row Fourteen, Cawston, BC
Leah Christ (Culinary, Spring 2012), chef-owner, Superbaba, Vancouver, BC
Kristin Strauss (Culinary Winter 2011), chef-owner, Grizzly Bear Ranch, BC
Billie Velisek (Pastry, Fall 2011) , owner, pastry chef, Crust and Crumb Bakery, Golden, BC
Andrew Han (One Year, Winter 2011), Owner, Kouign Cafe. Vancouver, BC
Chanty Yen (Culinary, Fall 2012), Chef/Co-owner, Fieldstone Restaurant, Montreal (former apprentice at Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain)
Maria Rodriguez (Culinary, Spring 2012), Owner, Don Francisco Premium Spanish Imports, Port Coquitlam, BC
Steven Che (Culinary, Spring 2013) – Co-Owner, Wild Flower Pizza Co.
Dave Crown (Culinary, Fall 2013), chef/owner, The Lunch Club, Vancouver, BC
Jody Horne (Culinary, Fall 2015), Chef/Owner, Lunitas, Gibsons, BC
Tess Bevernage (Culinary, Fall 2015), owner, Hanai Family Table
Haitham El Khatib (Culinary, Winter 2016), Aleph Eatery, Vancouver, BC
Matt Wu (Culinary, Winter 2016), chef/owner, The Dumpling King, Vancouver, BC
WHERE GRADS LEAD
Hugh Carbery (Culinary, Fall 2005), Executive Chef, Craft Beer Market, Vancouver, bc
Dan Creyke (Culinary, Fall 2005), Executive Chef, Terminal City Club, Vancouver, bc
Alex Ruiz (Pastry, Spring 2005), Head Pastry Chef, Le Marais Bakery, San Francisco, USA
Enrique Arango Tobón (Pastry, Winter 2005), Head of culinary department, UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MANIZALES, Columbia
Alejandro Fonseca (One Year, Winter 2005), Executive Chef, La Guardia, Bogota, Colombia
Alessandro Vianelli (Culinary, Winter 2005), executive chef, Wildebeast, Vancouver
Jack Chen (Culinary, Fall 2006), Executive Chef, L’Abattoir Restaurant, Vancouver, BC
Claire Livia Lassam (Culinary, Spring 2006) Pastry Chef, Contributing food writer, Edible Vancouver Magazine
Amy West (Culinary, Winter 2006), Senior Sous Chef, A Taste of Pace Catering, Los Angeles, USA
Mark Greenfield (Culinary, Spring 2007), Executive Chef, Coast Restaurant, Vancouver, bc
Michael Booth (Culinary, Spring 2007), Chef, Chef’s Harvest Café, Vancouver, BC
Jody Sigurdsen-Longo (Culinary, Winter 2007), Chef Instructor and Chopped Canada Winner, Abbotsford Senior Secondary, BC
David Ediger (Culinary, Spring 2007), sous chef, Toque Catering, Vancouver
Brooke Lodge (Pastry, Fall 2007), Chef, East Van Roasters Bakery
Peter McKenzie (One Year, Spring 2007), Chef, Shepard, Cambridge, Mass., USA
Steve Yzerman (Culinary, Spring 2008), Chef, UBC Fab Five Food Trucks, Vancouver, BC
Michael MaGuire (Culinary, Spring 2009), Chef, Caffé Roma Lounge, Vancouver, BC
Erin Lee (One Year, Fall 2009), Sous Chef, Ancora, Vancouver
Katie Weinner (Culinary, Spring 2008), Chef-Instructor, Art Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah and owner SLC Pop.
Jonathan Kinney (One Year, Fall 2008) Culinary Instructor, Northwest Culinary Academy, Vancouver
Jian Cheng (Culinary Fall 2010), Sous Chef, Savio Volpe Italian Restaurant, Vancouver, BC
Giulia Lombardo (One Year, Spring 2010), Executive Chef, Lombardo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Vancouver, BC
Alyssa Belter (Culinary, Fall 2010), Farmer-owner, Plenty Wild Farms, Pemberton, BC
Justin Champagne-Lagarde (Culinary, Fall 2010), Sous Chef, Atelier Restaurant, Ottawa, Canada
Erica Box (One Year, Spring 2011), Baker, District Café & Bakery, Edmonton, Alberta (former apprentice at Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain)
Corey Hess (One Year, Spring 2011), Sous Chef, Abattoir, Vancouver, BC
Matt Cooke (Culinary, Winter 2011), Kids Culinary Teacher, Dirty Apron Cooking School, Vancouver, BC
Antonio Sotomayor (Culinary, Fall 2011), Chef, Hawksworth Restaurant, Vancouver, BC
Amanda Finley (Culinary, Spring 2011), Executive Chef, Revel Room, Vancouver, bc
Tarek Chellouf (Culinary, Spring 2011), Culinary Instructor, Northwest Culinary Academy, Vancouver, BC
Lina Caschetto (Culinary, Winter 2012), Executive Chef, Pasdeloup Restaurant, Paris, France
Robert Lee (One Year, Spring 2012), Chef de Cuisine, Global, Vancouver, BC
Casto Unson (One Year, Winter 2013), former Chef-Instructor, New School of Cooking, Los Angeles, USA
Dan Chau (One Year, Winter 2013), Sous Chef, Culinary Capers Catering, Vancouver, BC
Elizabeth Pellatt (Culinary, Spring 2014), chief Stew & Chef, Motor Yacht Rice Quarters, Bahamas
Julie Marshall (Culinary, Fall 2014), Chef, Wandering Wheels Tours, Revelstoke, BC
Clayton Fontaine (Culinary, Fall 2015), Chef de Partie, Villa Eyrie Resort, Vancouver Island, BC
Richard Keep (Culinary, Fall 2015), Food and Beverage Manager, Parq Hotel, Vancouver, BC
Ed Jordan (Culinary, Winter 2015), Chef, La Stelle Trattoria, Nanaimo, BC
Michael Peters (One Year, Spring 2016), Sous Chef, (award-winning) Maenam Restaurant, Vancouver, BC
Eric Cheng (One Year, Spring 2016) Culinary/Pastry Instructor, Northwest Culinary Academy, Vancouver
Lauren Ritchie (Pastry, Spring 2015), Head Pastry Chef, Batard Boulangerie and Café Moderne, Vancouver, BC