Chef Russell is one of our most experienced instructors and has a key role within the product development team at Junior Chef Stars. Growing up in the Bay Area he was exposed to all sorts of different cuisine, and was taught by his father (a former chef), the proper culinary skills in the kitchen from a young age. Along with the formal education and etiquette of the food industry he learned from school he’s always been inspired to cultivate his own dishes at home. Russell loves experimenting with flavors and sharing his creations and knowledge of food with others. Constantly coming up with new ways to blend and fuse certain dishes or enhance their flavors. He loves taking his time cooking, and does so among friends who join in for one of his delicious dishes.
(ServSafe, CPR & First Aid Certified)

Julia is one of the newest employees of the JCS team. Although she is relatively new to the culinary field, her love and knowledge for cooking has grown tremendously. When Julia is not working hard in the kitchen as one of Junior Chef Stars assistants, you can find her guarding the goal on the soccer field.

Linda is one of Junior Chef Stars amazing instructor assistants, she has been part of our team since 2017. Linda has always had a passion for working with kids and has three adult children of her own. Linda loves spending time with her two grandkids in her free time and loves to share her love of cooking & baking with them.

Here’s the real runner of the show, our CEO, Chief of Chewing & Executive Shedder. Marley LOVES food, ALL kinds. He practically begs to take a bite of anything that gets in his rural area. But with his love for food comes his love for people, he is a social ninja who somehow gets everyone to love him upon first impression! Greeting them at the door being nothing but a ball of positive energy. In tough times, we look to Marley for solutions.

Cooking and baking has always been a fun activity in Ivy’s family, especially baking sweet treats that can be shared with others. Comfort food is a staple in her home, and she loves to share all different recipes with family and friends. Ivy has experience in Early Childhood Education and has previously worked as a teacher aide with kindergarteners at local schools in Pacifica, where she currently lives and grew up.
(ServSafe, First Aid & CPR Certified)

Joel serves as the Business Manager for Junior Chef Stars. He has an extensive knowledge of all things business. Joel graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelors of Science in Business Management. Joel has worked in the banking and finance industry for over 11 years and has now found his place at Junior Chef Stars. He has grown up learning to cook all things from his Mother. Joel enjoys spending time with his family learning how to create exciting new dishes and sharing his heritage through the medium of cooking with all of the staff and students here at Junior Chef Stars.
(ServSafe, CPR & First Aid Certified)

Chef Brian is Junior Chef Stars Owner. He attended the California Culinary Academy of San Francisco in 2001 for its famed Le Cordon Bleu’s Hospitality Management program. Brian brings with him many years of sales, business management, marketing experience and of course his culinary expertise.
Brian gained a passion for cooking from being in the kitchen with his Father and Grandfather as a small child. His favorite cooking memory is baking chocolate chip cookies with his mom as a child. Brian currently lives in Pacifica with his partner and his dog. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for cooking with others and spending as much free time as he has in the kitchen with his friends and family.
(ServSafe, CPR & First Aid Certified)