Maya Paul, Independent Consultant and Holistic Health Counselor
Maya W. Paul has always loved food and has enjoyed cooking since she was a young girl. After a number of years working for various non-profits in the administrative side of things, she is finally following her true passions: health, food, nutrition and cooking.
Maya loves to help others improve their cooking skills, share recipes, shop for local organic foods, continue to learn about nutrition, and especially work with individuals to help them reach their health goals!
Maya received her Holistic Health Counseling training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), in New York City. This program integrated many of the different dietary theories, combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts such as the USDA food pyramid, the glycemic index, the Zone and raw foods.
Raymond Lacerda Chef, Certified Master Taster, Independent Consultant, Teen Counselor
Raymond started learning and helping in the kitchen at a very young age. As he grew, so did his love for cooking. After high school, Raymond began professional training at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
Since graduating in 2002, he has gained industry experience working in Marin restaurants, catering, grocery, dining rooms, and more. In addition, he has also been trained in wine-making in the Russian River Valley, and judges foods on a national level.
Currently, Raymond is certified as a Master Taster with ChefsBest, rating products produced by the country’s leading food manufacturers. During his free time, Raymond is an active volunteer with St. Isabella’s parish youth program, working with groups of high school students and discussing major issues impacting their lives.
Raymond could not be happier, having found a way to pair his love for food and working with children.
Janet Dresser, Independent Consultant, Seasonal Recipe Expert, Chef and Registered Nurse
Janet Dresser Janet Dresser is the owner of As You Like It catering, and is also an Independent Consultant with What’s Cooking in Marin County. As a registered nurse, she is alert to the importance of eating well and eating smart. She believes in eating dishes made from organic products grown, raised and harvested by local purveyors.
Jenifer Mann, Independent Consultant for Baby & Toddler Foods
Jenifer has always had a love for food and finding ways to make delicious healthy meals. But it wasn’t until 4 years ago that she decided to make a career of it. Although Jenifer’s training and career started in the Arts, first as a student in Paris, then as a professional make-up artist and jewelry designer, her most rewarding career to date is being a Mother to her 2 yr old daughter, Julia. Becoming a mother is when her journey came back to her true passion for cooking. She became an assistant to some of the top cooking teachers in the East Bay. As she learned from the best, her passion grew. When she became a Mom she was inspired to want to help other Moms like herself learn to prepare healthy meals from their child’s very first bite. Healthy Eating = Healthy Baby is her motto.
