Chef Leigh Copeland

Chef Instructor, Culinary Arts

leigh copeland
Location: Online Programs
Favorite Dish: Fresh Ravioli with Garlic and Olive Oil

"My goal as a Chef Instructor is to greet my students with enthusiasm, compassion, and curiosity. I love teaching Culinary Arts, and being part of the Escoffier faculty is the perfect 'second half' to my career as a professional chef! Although we are an online campus, I strive to create a sense of community in the classroom. We will get to know each other! We will learn from each other! And we will grow as chefs together! I believe that a curious mindset is an essential life skill, and true growth happens when we are willing to be vulnerable and embrace the learning process!"

Chef Leigh Copeland

About

Before joining Escoffier, Chef Leigh worked for 14 years as a private chef for a family in Atlanta. Prior to that, she worked as a butcher’s apprentice and as a chef in Atlanta restaurants including The Food Business and Commune.

She rounded out her career as a restaurant chef under the tutelage of Anne Quatrano and Lynne Sawicki at Bacchanalia/Star Provisions. Chef Leigh taught private cooking classes to women and children in Atlanta and worked as a volunteer culinary instructor for the Refugee Women’s Center.

Upon graduation from culinary school, Chef Leigh spent two years traveling extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia, immersing herself in different cultures and cuisines. Highlights of her travels include a Thai cuisine training course in Chiang Mai, and six months exploring the diverse array of ethnic cuisines in Kuala Lumpur and regional cuisines of Malaysia.

Honors, Awards & Affiliations

  • ACF Certified Culinarian

Professional EXPERIENCE

  • Private Chef - Atlanta, GA
  • Sous Chef & Kitchen Management for 20+ Employees

Dish Examples

Caprese Stacks

caprese stacks

Pho Tai

pho tai

Plated Roasted Chicken Thighs

plated roasted chicken thighs

Summer Love

summer love tomato basil salad

Education

  • Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of Atlanta, GA

Special Interests

Gardening, kombucha brewing, knitting, Scrabble, hiking, creative writing, and traveling.

Request More Information
Campus of Interest*
Program of Interest*

Clicking the "Send Request" button constitutes your express request, and your express written consent, to be contacted by and to receive automated or pre-recorded call, texts, messages and/or emails from via phone, text, and/or emails by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts at the number(s)/email you provided, regarding furthering your education and enrolling. You understand that these calls, texts, messages and/or emails may be generated using an automated or pre-recorded technology. You are not required to agree to receive automated or pre-recorded calls, texts, messages or emails as a condition of enrolling at Escoffier. You can unsubscribe at any time or request removal of street address, phone number, email address via Escoffier website.

Is Culinary School Right For You?
Take This Short Quiz
Is a Professional Culinary Program Right for You? Take This Short Quiz