I have loved Big Bear since I was a kid. I have wonderful memories of coming up to my grandparents cabin here, so my fiance and I decided to move up here permanently in 2019. Up until that time, I had always worked in the animal welfare and veterinary fields. My family immigrated from Germany and I have always been influenced by my Oma’s (grandma’s) cooking, so I decided to take a chance and change careers. I started working in restaurants up here and enrolled in culinary school.

I began working for the retreat center in 2022, and quickly realized this was the place for me. I feel a real purpose here and love making meals for those who choose to spend their time here with us. I have since finished my associates degree in culinary school and am continuing on, working toward my bachelors degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management.

Outside of work I like to go bow-fishing and do Ju Jitsu and Kickboxing. I really love being able to share some of my Oma’s cooking influence and look forward to making many more meals here.