Naala Raines
Schaumburg,IL
Summary
To continue developing my culinary craft through hands-on experience and mentorship in professional kitchens, creating delicious, innovative, and visually stunning dishes that bring people together.
Skilled in knife handling, charcoal grilling, and show kitchen service with experience in high-volume, guest-facing environments such as Disney's Epcot Festivals. Passionate about food presentation, teamwork, and delivering unforgettable dining experiences while continuing to grow in the hospitality industry.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook 2
Disney Culinary Program - Epcot Festivals
Orlando, USA
02.2025 - 02.2026
- Assist Disney chefs with daily food preparation, plating, and festival service.
- Demonstrate professional knife and grill techniques in a live show kitchen environment.
- Safely transfer and manage prepared dishes and ingredients via PTV vehicles.
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences in alignment with Disney's world-class standards.
Advanced Culinary Student
Treasure Island Job Corps Center
San Francisco, USA
11.2023 - 02.2025
- Completed Advanced Culinary Arts Diploma Program focused on restaurant operations and advanced kitchen management.
- Developed technical expertise in classical and modern cooking techniques.
- Rotated through various kitchen stations including Food and Beverage, garde manger, Baking, Pastry, Bistro, and Fine Dining.
Kitchen Cook
Wildland Fire Kitchen Cook - Sandstone Fire Deployment
, USA
08.2024 - 09.2024
- Supported wildfire response teams by preparing and serving meals for fire crews in a high-demand, outdoor kitchen environment.
- Operated under the Mt. Hood Forest Service during the Sandstone Fire while maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards in field conditions.
- Collaborated with Job Corps culinary staff and Forest Service personnel to deliver high-volume meal service on tight schedules.
- Demonstrated adaptability, teamwork, and efficiency in challenging, fast-paced situations.
- Mt. Hood Forest Service | Timberlake Job Corps
Culinary Student
Joliet Job Corps Center
Joliet, USA
05.2022 - 11.2023
- Completed Basic Culinary Arts Certificate and earned high school diploma.
- Gained foundational experience in food preparation, safety, and customer service.
Restaurant Ambassador
Noodles & Company
Evanston, USA
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Supported kitchen and dining operations, ensuring consistent quality and speed.
- Delivered friendly, efficient service and maintained restaurant cleanliness.
Education
Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate - Culinary Arts
Treasure Island Job Corps Center
San Francisco, CA02.2025
Basic Culinary Arts Certificate - Culinary Arts
Joliet Job Corps Center
Joliet, IL11.2023
Skills
- Knife skills
- Charcoal Grill & Show Kitchen Operations
- Food Transfer & Safety
- Food Prep & Presentation
- Menu Planning & Ingredient Knowledge
- Adaptability
- Dependability
- Team Collaboration
- Food Safety
- Sanitation & Organization
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Cook 2
Disney Culinary Program - Epcot Festivals
02.2025 - 02.2026
Kitchen Cook
Wildland Fire Kitchen Cook - Sandstone Fire Deployment
08.2024 - 09.2024
Advanced Culinary Student
Treasure Island Job Corps Center
11.2023 - 02.2025
Culinary Student
Joliet Job Corps Center
05.2022 - 11.2023
Restaurant Ambassador
Noodles & Company
10.2021 - 01.2022
Advanced Culinary Arts Certificate - Culinary Arts
Treasure Island Job Corps Center
Basic Culinary Arts Certificate - Culinary Arts
Joliet Job Corps Center