Restaurant & Culinary Management Faculty
Ari Lewis
Restaurant & Culinary Management Program Lead, Assistant Professor970-236-0426 | amlewis@coloradomtn.edu
Education
BS - Restaurant & Hotel Management, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jess Guarnero
Dean of the Isaacson School of Communication, Arts, and Media970-870-4518 | jlguarnero@coloradomtn.edu
Education
- Le Cordon Bleu, Orlando Campus
- Florida State University
Work History
Chef Instructor Jess Guarnero began her cooking career in restaurants, country clubs and catering companies in Orlando and Tallahassee, FL. After she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Florida State, she realized her passion and energy belonged in the culinary arena. Returning to school, she attended the Le Cordon Bleu campus located in Orlando, FL.
As soon as she graduated, she dove in head first to catering and personal chef work in Aspen, CO. During her time there, she was also a Sous and Pastry chef for Anderson Ranch Arts Center and had her first experience in teaching vocational culinary arts at Aspen High School.
A move to Denver allowed a wonderful experience as an Associate Team Leader at Whole Foods Market and another two years teaching Culinary Arts. She and her family are very excited to join the community in Steamboat Springs and help to grow more skilled culinarians!
Philosophy
Chef Instructor Guarnero believes that a strong backbone of proper cooking methods can lead way to endless creativity in the kitchen. Simple ingredients can be beautiful and good bread is soulful.
Hometown
Winter Park, Florida