Catherine Reynolds
Seattle,WA
Summary
Seasoned educator and culinary professional with an extensive background of successful teaching experience. I believe cooking is transformative, and a valuable life-long skill that can enhance a young adult’s development. Before I entered the field of food and wine, I worked as a pre-school teacher, camp counselor, poet-in-residence, arts administrator & editor.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR/RETAIL MANAGER
GARAGISTE
Seattle, WA
01.2019 - 01.2026
- Ran retail operations, managed a high-volume appointment schedule with individualized care.
- Served as the community-facing ambassador for Garagiste, building genuine, lasting relationships.
- Hosted daily wine tastings centered around selling wine through education, enthusiasm, and engagement.
WINE & SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATE
LESCHI MARKET
Seattle, WA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided exceptional customer service utilizing knowledge, humor, and excellent listening skills.
- Received orders, stocked & merchandized product, curated a fine cheese selection for deli department.
- Fostered a sense of community in the spirit of a family-owned, independent grocery store.
OWNER/PROPRIETOR
QUESO Y VINO
Seattle, WA
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Created a weekly newsletter for 900+ subscribers, featuring wine & cheese recommendations, and seasonal recipes.
- Produced exclusive, sold-out wine dinners with recognized NW chefs at their restaurants, or in the field.
LEAD RETAIL BUYER
THE SPANISH TABLE/PARIS GROCERY
Seattle, WA
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Managed wine & deli departments, overseeing selection, ordering, displays, and staff education.
- Built a devoted clientele by providing in-depth expertise & genuine service tailored to individual needs.
- Taught wine & cooking classes, organized cheese & wine tastings, led the “Chef’s Tour of the Market” at Pike Place — connecting customers directly with local producers and farmers.
WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
SEATTLE ARTS & LECTURES ~ WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS
Seattle, WA
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Taught weekly adjunct poetry classes to a diverse population of public middle school students.
- Succeeded in establishing meaningful connections in the classroom, resulting in the most selected anthology pieces of the 2002 program.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
NAROPA UNIVERSITY
Boulder, CO01-1996
Bachelor of Arts - English
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Geneseo, N.Y.01-1992
Skills
Passionate educator
Food and beverage professional
Engaging & patient
Instiller of laughter, fun, and creativity
Timeline
LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR/RETAIL MANAGER
GARAGISTE
01.2019 - 01.2026
WINE & SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATE
LESCHI MARKET
01.2017 - 01.2019
OWNER/PROPRIETOR
QUESO Y VINO
01.2008 - 01.2013
LEAD RETAIL BUYER
THE SPANISH TABLE/PARIS GROCERY
01.2002 - 01.2007
WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE
SEATTLE ARTS & LECTURES ~ WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS
01.2001 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - English
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
NAROPA UNIVERSITY
MEDIA
- Food Matters: A new face at Leschi Market brings decades of wine experience Madison Park Times 8/17
- After Near Tragedy, Catherine Reynolds is Back Seattle Times–Pacific Northwest Magazine 11/10