I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Business and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a Culinary Arts degree. I graduated culinary school Summa Cum Laude; receiving the highest honor medal from the master chef of the school.
While residing in South Florida, I worked at numerous high-end restaurants such as Ivy’s Restaurant in Aventura and Blue Door at The Delano Hotel on South Beach. I worked at Barton G, Miami’s most successful catering company, and served as the head chef at Mark’s Catering Company in Plantation, Fl. While working at these catering companies, I cooked for celebrities such as Lil Kim, Outkast and JOJO at the hottest places in South Florida. Wanting more of a challenge, I traveled and became a catering chef for large events. I \was a chef for The Kentucky Derby, Nasdaq Tennis Tournament in Key Biscayne, Belmont Stakes, and worked on the NASCAR circuit for a whole season. Donald Rumsfeld and Lisa Marie Presley were among many of the celebrities I cooked for while on the NASCAR circuit. After gaining tremendous experience in all phases of catering, I grew an interest in cooking and healthy eating. This led to me becoming a personal/private chef of many families, one of whom was the President of the Marlins. While David Samson, President of the Florida Marlins, was training for the Iron Man Race, I helped him regulate his diet so that he could reach his maximum fitness level.
“Christy’s ability to cook healthy and delicious food for two adults and three discerning children was extraordinary. We have also had Christy cook for dinner parties exceeding 25 people, and both the quality of food and the ability to stay calm under pressure were exemplary. I have had the opportunity to work with many personal chefs, and I have no hesitation in telling you that Christy was by far the most superb. I value discretion, and she provided more than even I could have expected. I value health and nutrition, and her food clearly fits the bill. I also value diligence, loyalty and promptness, and on all, Christy far surpasses expectations.” -David Samson
For 10 years, I worked as the Assistant Director and Executive Chef at North Florida Regional Medical Center before owning my own marketing firm and then becoming a marketing executive at an HVAC company. I reside in Gainesville, FL with my two boys Chase and Cameron. They are the best sous chefs a mom could ask for.
In the community…..
- Co-Director of 2023 Fierce Awards
- Co-Chair of PACE Golf Tournament 2022
- Board Member and Food Columnist for HOME Magazine
- Board Member of Taste of Gainesville
- Volunteer, Taste of Gainesville 2016 Event, Contestant in the Iron Chef Competition
- Volunteer, Women and Wellness Symposium 2013, Food Demonstration at Hilton Hotel
- Volunteer, AVGD Food 4 Kids
- Volunteer, July 2017, AVGD Healthy Eating with Kids
- TV20 Segment, December 2013, Healthy Breakfast
- TV20 Segment, February 2014, Heathy Valentine Day Meals
- TV20 Segment, May 2014, Gluten Free Meals
- TV20 Segment, July 2016, Healthy Summer Treats
- Home Magazine, April 2017, Recipe for Taste of Greater Gainesville Cookbook
- Gainesville Magazine, Fall 2017, Healthy Tailgating Recipes