Meet the Faculty
The Culinary Institute of Michigan faculty at our Port Huron and Muskegon campuses feature the most professional experience and credentials you’ll find at any college, including published authors and PhDs. View out this industry-leading team of mentors who will help you achieve success both in your education and your career.
Academic Leadership
Thomas Recinella, CEC®, AAC®
Honorable Order of the Golden Toque
Dean of Culinary
Paula Recinella, CHE®, HAAC®
Instructor
Program Director/Restaurant Manager (Port Huron)
Jamie LeRoux, M.Ed.
Associate Professor
Program Director/Restaurant Manager (Muskegon)
CIM Faculty and Staff
Ben Ackerman
Culinary Supply Chain & Procurement Coordinator (Muskegon)
Adjunct Faculty
Kassie Beach, CSC®
Chef Instructor
Richard Brewer
Facilities Supervisor
Nick Cornfield, CEC®
Full-Time Faculty
Executive Chef Courses Restaurant (Port Huron)
Jennifer Hardenburgh-Martin
Chef Instructor
Robin Haskins
Custodian
Jessica Hazel, CWPC®
Chef Instructor
Rachael Hill
Adjunct Faculty
Samantha Joslin, CWPC®
Chef Instructor
Ashley King, CWPC®
Chef Instructor
Justin Kinziger, MS
Assistant Professor
Full-Time Faculty
John Lakatos
Chef Instructor
Adam Light
Culinary Supply Chain & Procurement Coordinator (Port Huron)
Adjunct Faculty
Amanda Miller, CSC®, WCSC®
Assistant Professor
Full-Time Faculty
Lead Baking and Pastry Chef Instructor (Muskegon)
Deb Smith
Admissions Advisor
Christopher Sowa, CEC®, AAC®
Full-Time Faculty
Executive Chef Courses Restaurant (Muskegon)
Dave Spicher
Assistant Professor
Full-Time Faculty
Carrie Thomas
Administrative Assistant (Muskegon)
Scott Twichell, CEPC®
Assistant Professor
Full-Time Faculty
Lead Baking and Pastry Chef Instructor (Port Huron)
Karlee Valley, CEPC®, MBA
Full-Time Faculty
Shelby Webb
Sweet Spot Barista (Muskegon)
Crystal Williams
Chef Instructor
Charles (Max) Zimmer
Chef Instructor
Not Pictured:
Lisa Lucas
Administrative Assistant (Port Huron)
Candace White, RS®
Adjunct Faculty
Custodian