Get professional insights from chefs at one of the best culinary school in the USA*

A quote from an experienced chef can add valuable insight to your story, offering authentic commentary straight from the kitchen. Whether it’s the latest food trends, sustainable cooking practices, or the science behind flavor, our chefs’ perspectives can help take your piece to the next level.

  • 100 Chef Instructors
  • 50 executive chefs
  • 25 current or former business owners
  • 11 worked in Michelin star restaurants
  • 19 published authors

Find the Right SME for Your Feature

Here are just a few of our esteemed faculty and staff.

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Kirk T. Bachmann
Boulder Campus President & Provost
  • Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)
  • World Association of Chef Societies Certified Executive Chef
  • Culinary Salon medalist
  • Member of the American Academy of Chefs (AAC)
  • Member of Disciples d’Escoffier
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Kathleen Ahearn
Vice President of Academic Affairs
  • Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)
  • Certified Culinary Educator® (CCE®)
  • Court of Master Sommeliers, First Level Certification
  • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)
  • 2022 ACF Cutting Edge Award for Innovation
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Albert Schmid
Lead Chef Instructor, Culinary Arts
  • Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)
  • Certified Specialist of Wine® (CSW®)
  • Certified Specialist of Spirits® (CSS®)
  • Three Gourmand Awards for his cookbooks
  • IACP Award of Excellence for Sommelier of the Year
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Stefanie Bishop-Schmidt
Chef Instructor, Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Worked as a Pastry Chef at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
  • Worked as a Pastry Chef at the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Featured on MarthaStewart.com
  • Featured on TheKnot.com
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Colleen Garcia
Director of Curriculum and Content Development
  • Certified Executive Chef® (CEC®)
  • Stagiaire experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy
  • 2016 Award Winner Best Creative Display, Taste of Wine and Art Festival
  • 2014 Five Star Employee of the Year, Ritz Carlton, Denver
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Luke Shaffer
Manager of Content Development
  • Executive Chef experience
  • Certified Bourbon Steward
  • BBQ expertise
  • Featured on TastingTable.com
  • 2017 Chef’s Roll “Featured Instructor of the Month”
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Adele Ledet
Chef Instructor, Culinary Arts
  • Owner & Executive Chef of Creole Vegan catering business
  • Featured on MarthaStewart.com
  • Plant-based & holistic nutrition and wellness expertise
  • Background in recipe development, research, product development
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McKenzie Dokter “MJ”
Chef Instructor, Culinary Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts
  • Executive Chef experience
  • Plant-based & holistic nutrition and wellness expertise
  • Featured on MarthaStewart.com
  • Featured in HUFFPOST
  • Featured on TastingTable.com

Need help choosing a chef that fits your piece?

Reach out and we’ll take care of the rest!

Escoffier News

2026-2027 Military Friendly designation badges
Press Releases 2 min read

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Named 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School

Escoffier announces it has been named a 2026–2027 Military Friendly® School. The Boulder campus and online programs received Silver status and the school also earned a Military Spouse Friendly® designation.

May 5, 2026
2026-2027 Great Place To Work Certification
Press Releases 3 min read

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Earns Great Place To Work-Certified™ Status for Seventh Consecutive Year

For the seventh year in a row, Escoffier announces it has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture and employee experience.

April 30, 2026
Young Escoffier Austin Campus High School Scholarship Competition 1st Place team
Press Releases 2 min read

Over $32,000 Toward Scholarships Awarded as 175+ Students Compete in Young Escoffier High School Culinary Competition in Austin

Culinary skill, creativity and teamwork took center stage at the 12th annual Young Escoffier Scholarship Competition at Escoffier’s Austin campus, where Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish was on-site to support student competitors.

April 28, 2026
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