Meet Connie

As a native Iowan, my love of food began at a young age, helping my mother with many meals on the family dairy farm.  It was there that my passion for baking was ignited, creating specialty desserts for my Dad, who had a sweet tooth and required at least one dessert daily.   This was all back before “Farm to Fork” was cool; it was just our way of life and a labor of love for my parents.  We raised grass fed beef, organic milk, free-range turkey, chickens and eggs, fresh vegetables from the family garden, and walnuts and pecans from our trees.

Since then I have had the privilege of working in many great restaurants and resorts throughout the West and Southwest, learning and developing new skills and a passion for whole foods, as well as a love of nutrition. I am self-taught and, when not cooking, can be found with my head in a cookbook, magazine, or online researching recipes, nutritional information, and continuous education.

I believe that whole foods and healthy eating are the source of good health and vitality. I am dedicated to helping my clients embrace food no matter what challenges or goals they may have. I focus on specific needs, guiding clients through their struggles with nutrition.  Whether it is vegetarian, vegan, high cholesterol, diabetes, or gluten intolerance/food-based allergies. I am dedicated and passionate about food, healthy whole foods that nurture the body, mind, and spirit!  As a fitness buff, I am enthusiastic about helping people learn to make healthier food choices. Choices that don’t leave you feeling deprived.

Most recently I worked as a corporate event/catering sales manager with a luxury resort where I planned and executed events from 100 to 2,500 people.  I have 25+ years experience in the hospitality business, consisting of sales, catering and event planning in luxury hotels, front and back of the house experience in fine dining restaurants, surf and turf at the coast, exclusive country clubs, as well as owning and operating my own bakery and catering businesses.

I recently launched Culinary Creations by Connie, my dream career as a Personal Chef and Event Planner, with the goal of bringing high-quality food to the home kitchen.  My clients now include busy professionals, time-strapped parents, new moms, venture capitalists, and active retirees, all with a taste for my delicious, nutritious dishes and dessert creations.

I am a member of the American Personal & Private Chef Association, a Certified Food Handler from the Maricopa County Health Department, and am ServSafe certified.  My education continues as I learn about new foods, skills, and techniques through researching recipes, taking online classes, and continuously cooking for family and friends.