Kendra Stokes
Salisbury
Summary
Head Chef with expertise in menu planning, food safety compliance, and event execution. Proven track record of enhancing food culture and ensuring timely meal service in educational environments. Strong leadership skills and ability to manage kitchen operations efficiently.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Chef
Leaf Spring School
Cornelius
07.2024 - Current
- Plan and prepare nutritious meals for students, while tracking and managing food allergies to ensure student safety and compliance.
- Collaborate with the administration regarding events or special activities that will require help from the kitchen.
- Ensure meals are prepared and served on time to align with school schedules.
- Develop menus focused on trendy, balanced meals, emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables over canned products.
- Place and manage food orders through US Foods, maintaining accurate inventory levels.
- Support a positive food culture that encourages healthy eating habits among students.
Kitchen Supervisor
Trinity Oaks Retirement Community
Salisbury
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Coordinated food preparation, packaging, and service while meeting dietary and resident preferences.
- Designed visually appealing food displays and supported catering events by menu planning and event execution.
- Led and supervised the wait staff during meal service.
- Collaborated and delegated roles with chefs and kitchen staff to ensure an efficient workflow.
- Enforced food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations in a senior healthcare dining environment.
Student Culinary Instructor
Livingstone College
Salisbury
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Demonstrating various cooking methods, including baking, sautéing, and grilling, while emphasizing the importance of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Heavy concentration on specific cuisines or dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free cooking, adapting lessons to accommodate students' preferences and restrictions.
- Imparting knowledge, skills, and a passion for cooking to the students, while also ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Livingstone College
Salisbury, North Carolina, NC05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Livingstone College
Salisbury, North Carolina, NC12-2021
Associate of Arts - Fine Arts
Lenior Community College
Kinston, NC05-2018
Skills
- Culinary presentation
- Event execution
- Menu planning and development
- Dietary accommodations
- High-volume kitchen operations
- Staff supervision and leadership
- Vendor management (US Foods)
- Food safety and compliance
- Inventory control
- Cost-conscious
- Time management
Certification
Servsafe
Timeline
Head Chef
Leaf Spring School
07.2024 - Current
Kitchen Supervisor
Trinity Oaks Retirement Community
07.2022 - 07.2024
Student Culinary Instructor
Livingstone College
06.2019 - 07.2022
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Livingstone College
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
Livingstone College
Associate of Arts - Fine Arts
Lenior Community College