She’s the talented chef who rose to fame after winning season 16 of the hit reality cooking series Hell’s Kitchen—a major milestone that truly put her on the map. As part of her prize, she earned a prestigious head chef position at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar located inside The Venetian Las Vegas, showcasing her culinary expertise on a national stage. Before all the spotlight, though, she was building her foundation back home. This driven chef graduated from the Culinary Institute of Michigan and started out working as an events chef in her hometown, honing her craft one dish at a time. Born and raised in the scenic Traverse City, Michigan, she developed a deep connection to food early on. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges—her parents separated when she was young, which shaped parts of her personal story. But through dedication and passion, this chef has turned every experience into fuel for success.
She discovered her love for cooking quite unexpectedly—after spending countless evenings watching old episodes of Iron Chef on the Food Network. It started as a simple curiosity, but soon she was experimenting in the kitchen, trying out recipes and refining her techniques. What really fueled her passion, though, was cooking for her brothers. She loved seeing their reactions, hearing their praise, and knowing she had created something they genuinely enjoyed. Over time, those small moments turned into a deep-rooted enthusiasm, with her finding joy in every dish she prepared. And as she continued to grow, her confidence in the kitchen grew right alongside it.