Culinary Path to Genesis
What inspired you to become part of Genesis Village as the Director of Dining Services?
My career in food service began at age 18 when I started working as a line cook at Applebee’s. It was there that I discovered my passion for cooking. In 2004, I transitioned to the healthcare sector, marking a significant shift in my culinary journey. This role required me to master special diets, aiding residents in their recovery from surgeries and strengthening them for their return home. Prior to joining Genesis Village, my expertise was honed in long-term care and rehabilitation centers. Over 18 years, I progressed from everyday cooking to an assistant manager, and eventually, I took charge as the manager of the kitchen. Although I initially knew little about Genesis Village, a close friend informed me about an opening for the Director of Dining Services. I seized the opportunity, and for the past year and a half, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading as the Director of Dining Services.
Culinary Philosophy
As the Director of Dining Services, what fundamental beliefs or values shape your approach to culinary leadership and decision-making in our community?
I believe that everyone deserves to have favorable, delicious, and home-cooked meals. We are guests in the residents’ home. They should all feel welcome from the moment they step foot in the Dining Room. From the greeting the dining staff gives them all the way to the chefs going out and talking with them. Making them know that they are heard when giving us suggestions is always a big part of my job.
Culinary Routine
Could you walk us through a typical day in your role at Genesis Village, highlighting the diversity and uniqueness of your daily experiences?
Every day brings a new adventure for me. I begin by greeting my staff and ensuring the day’s operations are on track. The week kicks off with menu planning for the upcoming week, a collaborative effort with my chefs. During meal service, you’ll find me in the dining room, engaging with residents, assisting our dining staff with beverages, and guiding residents through the buffet line. Behind the scenes, I’m always there to support our chefs, lending a hand wherever needed.
Memorable Meals and Moments
In your tenure, you’ve surely experienced many special moments. Is there one that particularly resonates with you or has deeply affected your approach to your role?
Among many memorable experiences in dietary services, one particularly impactful moment was when a resident told me that a meal I prepared reminded her of her mother’s cooking, transporting her back to her childhood. This encounter profoundly influenced my approach as a manager, highlighting that my role extends beyond merely cooking; it’s about creating joy and recapturing cherished memories for our residents. Many of them may no longer be able to cook meals that evoke their past, so it’s our responsibility to provide those meaningful experiences, even through simple dishes.
Taste of the Community
How would you describe the culinary spirit of Genesis Village to someone new? What makes the dining experience here stand out for you?
There are so many great ways to describe the spirit of the Culinary department. At Genesis, the Culinary department is defined by its welcoming spirit and diversity. Residents are greeted by our smiling dining room staff, always ready to assist, whether guiding them through the buffet, explaining the options, or serving drinks. Our team includes four highly skilled chefs, each bringing a unique culinary background. Together, we create weekly menus focusing on homemade, scratch-cooked meals. Our offerings include a full salad bar, a generous hot buffet featuring two protein choices and various sides, plus an alternative menu to cater to all tastes and preferences.
Recipe for Growth
What is a key lesson you’ve learned as the Director of Dining Services, and how has it influenced your culinary leadership and service to the community?
In my role as Director of Dining Services, I’ve learned to embrace the diverse tastes and evolving preferences of our community. Recognizing that pleasing everyone is challenging due to varied palates, I focus on continuous engagement with residents, guests, and staff, gathering feedback and suggestions for new menu items. We even have a recipe box where everyone can contribute their favorite recipes. I encourage my staff to view feedback constructively, helping us identify what works well and what might need tweaking. This approach enables us to constantly refine our service and culinary offerings, striving for excellence in every meal.
Future Flavors
Looking towards the future, what culinary aspirations do you have for Genesis Village, and how do you envision realizing them?
At Genesis, our culinary department is buzzing with a range of innovative and engaging projects. We’re exploring exciting activities like interactive cooking events, expanding service offerings, and enhancing resident involvement in dining choices. These initiatives are progressing smoothly, thanks to the support from our enthusiastic dining services staff and management team, who are instrumental in bringing these plans to fruition.
Thank You, Kiley
We are happy to have Kiley leading our Dining Team. Her efforts over the last year and a half have been transformative, not just in terms of operations but also in elevating the satisfaction of our residents and the quality of our meals. Kiley’s enthusiasm for cooking and her dedication to service, along with her exceptional leadership, perfectly represents what Genesis Village stands for. -Julie St. John, Executive Director
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