Congratulations to our team (top left to right): Destiny, Ashleigh, Keyla, Yesenia, and Samantha
As The Sylvia Center continues to grow, so too does our commitment to improving an infrastructure that supports our staff and students. Congratulations to our Chef Educators who are taking the next step with new roles in order to help us meet the increasing demand of our programs citywide.
Ashleigh Abreu, Nutrition-Focused Coordinator
Ashleigh began her journey with TSC in 2021 as a Dietetic Intern, before becoming a Chef Instructor, then Chef Educator. She works with the upstate team, coordinating meal kits and leading elementary and family classes, and, as one of our on-staff Registered Dietitians, loves to incorporate exciting nutrition facts into her lessons. She may be quiet in conversation, but she is a clear leader in her classrooms. Ashleigh has an adorable French bulldog, Archie, and is a skilled photographer.
Yesenia Arrunategui, Bronx Programs Coordinator
Yesenia has been working for TSC for the past 18 months as a Chef Educator, bringing her warm yet commanding approach to classes of all ages and backgrounds. Yesenia graduated from culinary school, and knew early that food and food education are her passions. She does an excellent job of building students’ confidence by having them showcase their newly learned skills, and since TSC has added new sites in the Bronx to our roster, Yesenia has been working to schedule classes, deliver equipment and ensure programs run smoothly. We can’t wait to see more of Yesenia’s skills in this new role.
Keyla Arzu, Community Engagement Specialist
Keyla joined our team in 2021 and has been spreading the word about TSC wherever she goes ever since. She’s also an amazing mentor for our teens, building trust, community and creativity in her classrooms. As a result, students want to keep working with her even after the program ends. Keyla will be working on our curriculum to increase ways to engage with students in their communities. Keyla has a daughter and son and cherishes time with her family.
Sam Kwok, Manhattan and Brooklyn Programs Coordinator
Sam is an alumna of our Teen Culinary Apprenticeship program, and has been working with TSC since 2016. She was born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and has two dogs, Oreo and Tofu. Sam is passionate about creating calm and safe environments where students thrive and learn. She always takes the extra time to explain new skills to students and staff alike, and we’re so excited for Sam to flex her skills as a coordinator.
Destiny Smith, Teen and Alumni Programs Coordinator
Destiny is an alumna of our Teen Culinary Apprenticeship program and has been working with TSC since 2019. Destiny is a proud auntie, and you might have seen her cooking with her niece and nephew on our YouTube channel during the pandemic. She’s about to graduate from John Jay College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Destiny is a wonderful mentor for our young people, creating a welcoming environment in the classroom while holding students to a high standard–but not without a laugh. Destiny is going to be reconnecting with TSC alumni and planning some exciting events in the future.
