Rachael Apodaca
Summary
Passionate, spirited and classically trained culinary professional, skilled in building relationships and developing high-performing teams. Leader in delivery of excellent customer service. Equipped to apply restaurant operational experience to grow world-class organizations. Dedicated to food safety, customer service best practices and quality food service.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef & Caretaker
Simplicity HHC
07.2023 - Current
- Prepare customized meals to meet advanced-age dietary needs, incorporating dietary restrictions and preferences
- Plan weekly menus and ensure variety and nutritional balance
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to food safety standards
- Monitor food inventory levels and handle restocking to prevent shortages
- Provide comprehensive care, including assistance with daily activities and wellness monitoring
- Coordinate medical appointments and liaise with healthcare professionals
- Manage house staff to ensure smooth household operations
- Maintain a safe and comfortable living environment by addressing household needs proactively
- Assist with medication reminders and track adherence to prescribed schedules
Freelance Chef
Village Bakehouse
01.2015 - Current
Chef/Kitchen Supervisor
50/50 Coffeehouse and Pub
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Oversaw inventory, staff training, and daily operations
- Developed recipes for catering and ensured quality standards
- Prepared high-volume catering orders for corporate events
- Optimized kitchen workflows to improve efficiency and reduce waste
- Trained and mentored new staff to maintain consistent service quality
Training Manager
Cheba Hut
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Trained new employees and worked across all roles within the shop
- Streamlined operations to enhance team efficiency
- Implemented best practices to ensure food safety and quality
- Supported shift supervisors in conflict resolution and team management
- Facilitated onboarding sessions for new hires to acclimate them to company culture
Manager in Training
Healthcare Services Group
09.2020 - 12.2020
- Completed an eight-week manager training program in Colorado Springs
- Traveled to multiple facilities to support operations and training efforts
- Enhanced batch cooking techniques while filling various facility roles
- Collaborated with staff to develop effective dietary plans for residents
- Streamlined scheduling and task management to improve daily operations
Senior Intern/Personal Chef
Villanueva Youth Farm to Market
01.2015 - 12.2018
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Computer Science
12.2024
Associate's Degree - Vocational Technical Studies
Luna Community College
05.2018
Certificate - Culinary Arts
Luna Community College
05.2018
Skills
- Proficient in kitchen environments
- Recipe development
- Purchasing and inventory management
- Using Sysco
- Using local vendors
- Handling large orders
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Proficient in Google Drive
- Customer service
- Sales
- Health and safety compliance
- Production
- Problem-solving
- Kitchen operations management
- Food and beverage pairing
- Menu development
- Purchasing
- Schedule implementation
- Process improvements
- Resource management
- Building and facility management
- Procedure development
Additionalworkexperience
- Senior Intern/Personal Chef, Villanueva Youth Farm to Market, 01/01/15, 12/31/18
- Freelance Chef, Village Bakehouse and private events, 01/01/15, Present
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification, March 2017
- Food Handlers License, Way to Serve. Current
- Alcohol Servers License, Way to Serve. Current
Timeline
Chef & Caretaker
Simplicity HHC
07.2023 - Current
Chef/Kitchen Supervisor
50/50 Coffeehouse and Pub
05.2021 - 09.2022
Training Manager
Cheba Hut
01.2021 - 05.2021
Manager in Training
Healthcare Services Group
09.2020 - 12.2020
Freelance Chef
Village Bakehouse
01.2015 - Current
Senior Intern/Personal Chef
Villanueva Youth Farm to Market
01.2015 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Computer Science
Associate's Degree - Vocational Technical Studies
Luna Community College
Certificate - Culinary Arts
Luna Community College
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