Dylana Degannes
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Multidisciplinary educator with 10+ years of experience in special education and culinary arts instruction. Skilled at creating inclusive, hands-on learning environments that support diverse learners through differentiated instruction, real-world culinary applications, and career readiness. Proven success in integrating food education into academic learning. Passionate about student growth, practical life skills, and fostering community through food.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner / Operator
Dylana’s Sweet Treats
01.2021 - Current
- Prepare and sell over 230 desserts weekly at an open-air food market (Smorgasburg vendor)
- Manage operations, food safety compliance, client relations, and seasonal menu development
- Promote inclusive food experiences rooted in community and cultural traditions
- Design and execute custom catering menus tailored to client preferences, dietary needs, and event themes
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
Special Education & Culinary Integration Teacher
West Brooklyn Community High School
01.2015 - Current
- Develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and tailored instruction for students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
- Co-teach in inclusive classrooms for core academic subjects, working together with content-area teachers to differentiate instruction and adapt assessments.
- Integrate culinary arts themes—such as nutrition, food systems, and history—into academic units to enhance engagement and create real-world connections.
- Lead hands-on culinary enrichment classes that focus on cooking skills, collaboration, food justice, history, and food literacy instruction for students with disabilities and English Language Learners
Adjunct Professor, Culinary Arts
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Instructed adult learners in culinary fundamentals, sanitation, and hospitality professionalism
- Taught ServSafe and Department of Health food handling certification courses
- Designed industry-aligned curriculum to prepare students for careers in food service and catering
- Mentored students in job readiness and customer-facing communication
Education
Masters Degree - Urban Adolescent Education
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Brooklyn, NY01.2017
Certificate - Culinary Arts, Nutrition and Management Certification Program
THE ARTS INSTITUTE
New York, NY01.2004
Bachelors Degree - Human Services
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Queens, NY01-1999
Skills
- Postsecondary Instruction
- Culinary Instruction
- Differentiated Learning
- Project Based Learning
- Effective Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative learning
- Growth mindset
Certification
- EFS Leadership Academy ( In Progress 2026)
- MWBE Certification 2025
- CPR Certification (AHA) 2025
- NYCWFF Talent 2022-2024
- Food Handlers Certification 2004
Timeline
Owner / Operator
Dylana’s Sweet Treats
01.2021 - Current
Special Education & Culinary Integration Teacher
West Brooklyn Community High School
01.2015 - Current
Adjunct Professor, Culinary Arts
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
01.2011 - 01.2014
Masters Degree - Urban Adolescent Education
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
Certificate - Culinary Arts, Nutrition and Management Certification Program
THE ARTS INSTITUTE
Bachelors Degree - Human Services
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Professional Associations
Academy For Teachers
Shelburne Farm
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