Meet The Team

Founder

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For me, food has always been about connection. A coming together to celebrate each other, the seasons, and special occasions. Over the years, this has also become to mean connection to self and how we FEEL. 

 

I believe in the power of this connection, and that any journey is better traveled with someone to support you along the way, which is why I created The Bountiful Chef.

 

I am inspired by the seasons, local produce, the personalities of my clients, and COLOR(!).  

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In my own health journey food continues to play a huge role - we are what we eat! I have experimented over the years with more restrictive diets, and continue to evaluate how I feel best while working with trusted practitioners in functional and conventional medicine. 

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I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis while my husband and I were going through IVF and understand the overwhelm that comes with a new diagnosis and also the importance of a strong foundation of food and lifestyle to balance that. We are finally approaching the other side of IVF and are excited to welcome our baby boy into the world this winter. Check out @bountifulchef for updates, and a look into what is on our table and happening in our client's kitchens. 

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I am currently based in Calgary, AB, and received my culinary training from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Originally from the United States, in my "previous life" I was an actor and musician living in New York City. That is where I met my husband, John, and when I'm not cooking, you probably can find me in a hot yoga class or laughing, singing, and playing music with John.

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Food is so beautifully personal. I look forward to hearing your story, knowing more about your relationship with food and finding bountiful ways to work together.

Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant, C.H.N.C

Therapeutic Chef, Private Events

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Jaryd is a graduate of the SAIT Professional Cooking Program and the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.  A recent grad of CSNN, Jaryd is excited to join Bountiful Chef to work with clients to support their health and wellness journeys through food. 

 

He is classically trained in French and Italian cuisine, and has traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean and Hawaii.  He has years of experience as an executive chef, and loves to cater for parties and private tastings.  Jaryd has also taught many cooking classes throughout Calgary, helping people and families improve their cooking skills and knowledge of healthy eating.  

 

He is a husband and father of two, and loves spending time with his family outdoors snowboarding, skating, golfing and camping.  

 

Jaryd has shifted his culinary focus to nutrition, and has a passion for helping people eat their best, and teaching best practices in the kitchen.  He can handle a wide range of diets, such as keto, paleo, AIP and GAPS, and understands the importance of sensitivities such as gluten, dairy, meat or allergies.  He believes in local, fresh and vibrant food geared towards optimal health, made with love!

Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant, C.H.N.C

Therapeutic Chef

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My name is Giulia and I’m from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Growing up, my grandmother would cook for my family, and I would always be by her side watching and helping. My favorite memories in her kitchen were during Christmas time. She would spend hours making Christmas dinner and would often cook throughout the night, and I’d bring my mattress into the kitchen so I could nap while “helping” her. 

 

I’m passionate about food and health. Food is powerful. It nourishes our bodies, connects people & cultures, warms the soul, and brings love to the table. When I create my recipes, my primary goal is to help my clients obtain the key nutrients for overall health without having to compromise on taste. I believe that food should be delicious, healthy, and beautiful. 

 

I’ve worked around food my entire life. I’ve spent time in more traditional roles at health food stores and restaurants as well as my own personal ventures. In the tenth grade, I started selling brownies made from a family-secret recipe my grandmother and I created. The brownie business was so successful that it paid for my trip to Europe where I experienced different flavours and cuisines.

 

I completed the Rise to Shine program at NOS Escola obtaining the Natural Chef certificate in 2018 and the Professional Cooking program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in 2022. Most recently, I finished the required coursework at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN), and I became a Certified Holistic Consultant.

 

I have always loved adventures and new challenges which led me to move by myself to Canada when I was 21. When I’m not cooking or reading about nutrition, I’m spending some time with my golden retriever, Rio, and my boyfriend Spencer. I love to travel, try new restaurants, workout, and do puzzles! 

 

I’m excited to meet you and together create amazing meals that will satisfy your wants and needs! Oh, and there’s one ingredient that will always be part of the recipes. I can say that it has 4 letters, the first is L and the last one is E!