Kaya's passion for culinary arts began at a very young age. She credits this to growing up on an organic vegetable farm in the North Okanagan and helping her mother in the kitchen for as long as she can remember. Growing up with access to an abundance of fresh, healthy ingredients at her fingertips sparked her interest to pursue a career in culinary arts.
This drive and passion for fresh, healthy food led to her starting a job as a line cook in a small cafe and bakery, focused on sourcing local, in Salmon Arm in the Spring of 2014. The following January, Kaya went to Vancouver Island University for their Culinary Arts Certificate Program. There she was given the opportunity to attend Skills Canada, a trades competition where she won Gold at the Provincial level and Silver at the National Skills Competition.
She completed her 3 month Co-op at Mission Hill Winery in West Kelowna during the summer of 2015, and graduated VIU top of her class with her PC2 (Professional Cook Level 2) and as an Honours student in the spring of 2016. Upon graduation, Kaya was awarded the DRC culinary scholarship for highest achievement and display of talent and potential. Recently, Kaya completed her apprenticeship, and obtained her Red Seal in the Professional Cook Trade under Team Canada's Chef Ian Rennie at the Delta Grand in Kelowna B.C.
When she’s not cooking, Kaya enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, surfing, and painting.
Kaya is very excited for the opportunity to create recipes for Local Urban Bites and can't wait to to see what the future brings.
Awards/Certificates/Qualifications
- Red Seal Professional Cook
- Gold at Skills Canada Provincial Trades Competition - 2015
- Silver at Skills Canada National Trades Competition - 2015
- Culinary Arts Certificate with Honours, VIU - 2016
- Professional Cook Level 3 Apprenticeship Course, Okanagan College, Dean’s List - 2016
- Alexis de Portneuf Cheese and Wine pairing Competition, Kelowna, 3rd - 2016