PRESIDENT & CULINARY COACH

Chef Matt is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY with a Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts Management. “Chef Matty” (as we like to call him) is an expert in all things seafood, in addition to being a skilled baker. While these things seemingly might not go together, they show one thing for certain: Matty is as patient as he is kind in the kitchen! When he’s not teaching, Matt is in charge of all things design and tech for team PLAYTE. We call him Matt-of-all-Trades!

VP - CULINARY CREATIVE & CULINARY COACH

With over twenty years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chef Sandy has turned her passion for food and natural ability for teaching into sharing all things culinary with passionate home chefs. Sandy’s name has graced the roster of many fine establishments, including Executive Chef of Public Programs, California at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro, Dean & Deluca, and Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts. Most importantly, she is PLAYTE Kitchen’s resident Pasta Queen.

VP - CULINARY OPERATIONS & CULINARY COACH

Chef Josh graduated from the California Culinary Academy in 1998 and has spent most of his career in cuisine working for the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he climbed through the ranks, culminating in his leadership role as an Executive Chef. With his huge personality and panache for teaching, Josh couldn’t stay behind the scenes forever, so he pursued his passion to teach home chefs. During his twenty years at The CIA, it’s estimated that Josh served over half a million meals and taught hundreds of folks how to cook at home. When he’s not cooking up fun with foodies, he’s thinking about the next best class for the fans of PLAYTE Kitchen.

VP - PARTNERSHIPS & BRAND DEVELOPMENT

The only hat Maryam doesn’t wear at PLAYTE is a toque! With degrees from Cornell’s Hotel School and Walla Walla CC’s Enology & Viticulture program, Maryam has over ten years experience in the hospitality industry with a focus on food, wine, and community. Most often, her work takes place at the intersection of chefs, sommeliers, activists, sustainability experts, creatives, and organizations focused on equitable access and diversity within their communities (obviously, a very busy intersection!). When she’s not directing traffic at PLAYTE Kitchen, you’ll find her learning and teaching about wine and all of her favorite beverages.

VP - EXPERIENCE & OPERATIONS

Jenae is in charge of all things operations at PLAYTE Kitchen. Simply put, if you’re happy, she’s happy! Jenae’s previous work includes three years at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Copia as an Operations Manager for Public Programs. Always known for being the “hostess with the mostest”, Jenae has developed and operated large scale festivals, conversation series, events with partner organizations, and programs offered to the community. Jenae has also worked in the non-profit sector as well as the professional sports field. Jenae is a graduate of Grand Valley State University (2015) with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in General Business.