Our instructors are talented chefs who love working with kids and young teens. Most are graduates of the prestigious, Le Cordon Bleu culinary program in Pasadena. They all carry out our mission to provide a unique learning experience that gives our campers the opportunity to develop a life-long love for the culinary arts.

Imagine having a culinary arts expert sharing their passion and depth of experience with your child! Our Cooking Camp chefs not only teach general cooking techniques but sprinkle lots of lessons into the mix, discussing culinary terms, nutritional values, kitchen safety and food science.

Successful cooking begins in a kid-friendly environment and our staff has designed a series of summer sessions where children can succeed in learning skills safely and enjoyably.




CHRIS ALLEN
Executive Chef

Graduating with high honors from the Le Cordon Bleu program, Chef Chris began his work with the Summer Art Academy in 2002 acting as the Executive Chef for the culinary portion of the summertime camp. Currently, Chris is a full time faculty member at the Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. He has traveled the world sampling the foods from many countries and looks forward to teaching all his international culinary secrets to the kids. Additionally, he has owned a catering company and has been a special demonstration Chef for the Friends of Robinsons Garden as well as a personal Chef.
THERESA P. KAY
Lead Chef
North Hollywood

Theresa is a “well-seasoned” chef and culinary arts teacher, who began her career in the kitchen nearly two decades ago. Throughout the years, she has worked as a caterer, cooking school director, restaurant manager, TV food stylist and on-air personality. For the past six years, she has been passing on her knowledge as a high school culinary arts teacher. Working alongside some of the greats, including Jacques Pepin, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay and Tommy Tang, she has developed an eclectic style and well-rounded knowledge of several cuisines. This enthusiastic and passionate culinary educator is thrilled to be returning for her fifth year with the Cooking Camp!

KATHRINE PORTER
Lead Chef
La Canada

Chef Katherine has recently begun her culinary career with a variety of experiences that she is excited to share with our campers.  Having graduated from Le Cordon Bleu program, she is highly trained and skilled in the areas of fine cuisine and desserts. She is currently working at The Front Runner Restaurant at the Santa Anita Race Park, and will be returning to the Summer Cooking Camp for her fourth year. Chef Katherine is thrilled and looking forward to providing only the best learning, culinary experience for our new and returning campers.
CHEF SHIKO
Lead Chef
Woodland Hills

Food has always been more then just eating; it is an art. As a child, I have always been interested in the art of making food and everything involving the culinary arts. Growing up making food always seemed right and with my family and I was always involved some how whether chopping or stirring I was there in the kitchen. I believe in healthy eating for a healthy life style; educating myself as to how to make a difference in other peoples life's is now my life’s passion. In 2009, I received my chef certifications in vegetarian Cuisine, specifically in vegan raw food and in 2010 enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to further my culinary skill. My dietary lifestyle has given me a great understanding of a health food outlook for a happy-healthy life. To have the opportunity to just help people understand how food coincides with everyday life and how it is very important to maintain a good healthy lifestyle is something I would love to achieve with our Cooking Campers this summer.