Our Story
At Create-a-Cook, we believe that cooking is a form of self-expression, and we encourage our students to think like chefs and explore their creativity while learning basic to advanced culinary techniques. Our classes are designed to be interactive and fun, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while learning the art of cooking.
We offer a wide range of classes, from basic knife skills to advanced pastry techniques, and everything in between. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, we have a class that will challenge and inspire you.
Join us at Create-a-Cook and discover the joy of cooking while developing your skills and creativity in the kitchen.
Our Team
Meet the team that makes the Create-a-Cook brand thrive! Our culinary arts and baking and pastry instructors come from diverse backgrouns within the culinary realm, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion for food. Their hard work and dedication are integral to the Create-a-Cook experience, where they share their expertise with our Junior Chefs and help create lifelong memories. We are incredibly grateful for their contributions and the culinary wisdom they impart.
In addition to our skilled Chef Instructors, Create-a-Cook is fortunate to have outher dedicated team members who play vital roles in supporting our overall vision. We are honored to work with each and every team member who helps make Create-a-Cook a success.
Chef Jarrett K. Young
Co-Founder & CEO
Jarrett is a seasoned chef with a wealth of experience in culinary education and professional cooking. From teaching high school students at a Technical College High School to becoming the Director of the Culinary Arts Summer Cooking School, he has worked with individuals of different ages and backgrounds.
​
Jarrett’s culinary journey began in 1996 at Central Montco Technical High School (formerly Center for Technical Studies) in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, where he is currently a chef instructor—his time at the school provided a strong foundation in cooking, which he built upon at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. During his studies, Jarrett’s passion for culinary arts flourished. To further refine his skills, he trained under French Master Chef Dominique Filoni at Savona Cucina Della Costa, a world-renowned restaurant. With this impressive background, it’s clear that Jarrett is a highly skilled and experienced instructor.
Jarrett's personality and sense of humor allow people of all ages to feel comfortable and enjoy cooking. He has a unique ability to teach and make the art of cooking fun, giving it a different flavor for people who never knew they could enjoy it so much.
Through his experiences, Jarrett developed a desire to share his knowledge and love of cooking with others. He is patient, understanding, and passionate about helping others learn and discover their own passion for cooking.
Technology Specialist & Campus Coordinator
Jessica McPolin
Jessica is an experienced educator with a passion for technology integration in the classroom. With a background spanning over two decades in education, she currently serves as a Technology Teacher for students ranging from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Prior to assuming this role, Jessica taught various grade levels including third, fourth, and Kindergarten, accumulating a wealth of experience and expertise in early childhood education.
​
Combining her love for teaching with her enthusiasm for technology, Jessica seamlessly integrates innovative educational tools into her curriculum. She holds certifications as an Apple Educator and Seesaw Certified Educator, and most recently an AI in Education Certification, demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of educational technology trends. Additionally, she has facilitated numerous summer technology classes, specializing in subjects such as coding, Minecraft, and Web Design, further showcasing her dedication to fostering digital literacy among her students.
​
Jessica's academic journey began in Jackson, NJ, where she attended high school before pursuing higher education at Georgian Court University. She graduated with certifications in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of both pedagogy and human behavior.
​
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jessica maintains a keen interest in culinary arts, though she did not pursue formal training in this field. She enjoys exploring all aspects of food-related knowledge and finds joy in sharing her passion with others, particularly in educational settings.
With her diverse background, unwavering commitment to education, and innovative approach to technology integration, Jessica continues to inspire and empower students to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Chef Carisa Hamilton
Carisa's journey in the culinary world began at a young age, as she found her passion for cooking and baking while spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother. Growing up in southern Pennsylvania and now residing in bustling Philadelphia, Carisa has developed a deep appreciation for the vibrant food scene and diverse culinary experiences the city has to offer.
​
She pursued her culinary education at Avon Grove High School and the Culinary Arts Program at Technical College High School Pennock's Bridge campus. Eager to expand her knowledge and skills, Carisa then enrolled at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) in Providence, Rhode Island, where she earned her Associate's degree in Baking & Pastry Arts.
​
Carisa's professional journey started at Jenners Pond Retirement Community, where she gained experience as a server, prep cook, and pastry assistant. She further honed her skills at Wegmans Food Market, specializing in prepared foods, and later at Dupont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.
​
In 2019, Carisa seized the opportunity to return to the Culinary Arts Program, this time as an instructional assistant. It was during this period that she discovered her passion for teaching and began to explore the art of culinary instruction. Currently, Carisa serves as the Culinary Arts instructor at Technical College High School Pickering Campus, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise to aspiring culinary enthusiasts.
​
With a rich background in baking, pastry, and culinary arts, Carisa brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for her craft to her teaching role. Her journey has been marked by a strong commitment to continuous learning and a dedication to nurturing the culinary talents of her students.
Chef Seth Schram
Seth Schram is a dedicated educational leader and career and technical education expert with more than 40 years of experience inspiring students and building innovative learning environments. He has played a key role in planning, opening, and leading multiple award-winning technical campuses across Pennsylvania, always with a focus on student growth and opportunity.
Seth holds a Master of Science in Education Leadership from Temple University, Principal K-12 and Vocational Director certifications, and an associate degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and History from West Chester University.
Throughout his career, Seth has served as Executive Director and Principal at several career and technical high schools, where he developed new programs, expanded community partnerships, and led major building and curriculum improvements. He helped design and open Pennsylvania’s first hybrid technical campuses, blending high school and college-level instruction, and pioneered new programs in special education and emotional support.
In addition to his leadership roles, Seth has extensive experience teaching students directly—from culinary arts classes at Delaware County Community College and Cheyney University to high school culinary programs and even social studies instruction at a youth detention center. This combination of practical industry expertise and classroom teaching gives Seth a unique ability to connect with kids of all backgrounds and help them see real pathways to success.
Widely recognized for his service and innovation, Seth has been named Pennsylvania Vocational Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. He has shared his insights at major conferences and continues to serve on numerous educational boards and associations dedicated to student success.
Seth’s proven commitment to students, creative leadership, and passion for hands-on learning make him an exceptional candidate for teaching kids. He thrives on helping young people build skills, confidence, and futures they can be proud of.
Spring Tempson
Chef Instructor /
Instructional Assistant
Spring’s passion for food took root at a young age, inspired not only by the flavors and techniques she encountered but also by the deep emotional and cultural connections food fosters. For her, food has always been more than simple nourishment—it is an act of care, a celebration of heritage, and a universal language of comfort and connection. Whether she’s helping someone adopt healthier eating habits, offering a warm plate of comfort food during a tough time, or baking something special to express love, Spring believes food speaks volumes when words fall short.
Her formal culinary journey began at Central Montco Technical High School, where she explored different career paths before ultimately discovering her true calling in the kitchen. Though she transitioned between programs during her time there, the experience sparked a lasting love for the culinary arts—one that she continued to develop through hands-on experience in professional kitchens. She later deepened her skills at the renowned Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, where she received formal training and expanded her culinary foundation.
Spring has since worked across a range of restaurant settings and kitchen stations, mastering everything from grill and fry to garnishes and daily specials. Her versatility, creativity, and heart-driven approach shine through in every dish she prepares.
This summer, Spring is excited to bring her culinary passion to Create-a-Cook. She’s especially looking forward to sharing her love of food with young chefs and inspiring them to explore their own creativity in the kitchen. Spring has always enjoyed working with kids—including her little nephew, who shares her enthusiasm for all things food—and she’s eager to help campers develop confidence, skills, and lasting memories through fun, hands-on cooking experiences.
Chef Kevin Grant
Chef Kevin found his passion for cooking early in life, learning at his mother’s side in the family kitchen. Those first experiences—chopping, stirring, tasting—sparked not only a love of food but a lifelong appreciation for the way meals bring people together. That foundation led him to pursue culinary arts as a career, a journey that has taken him through some of the most respected kitchens in the region.
​
A proud graduate of Central Montgomery County Technical High School, Chef Kevin went on to earn his degree from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he developed his classical training and refined his technique. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked in a wide range of culinary settings, from casual bistros to fine dining establishments.
​
For more than two decades, Chef Kevin was a driving force at the beloved Bay Pony Inn in Lederach, Pennsylvania, where he mastered not only the art of cooking but also the leadership and precision required to run a successful kitchen. His work there earned him a reputation for excellence, both in the quality of his food and in the mentorship he provided to young chefs coming up in the industry.
​
Today, Chef Kevin shares his deep well of culinary knowledge as an instructor at the Technical College High School – Pennock’s Bridge Campus in West Grove, Pennsylvania. His classes are designed to empower students of all skill levels, combining hands-on learning with real-world kitchen experience. From knife skills to menu planning, Chef Kevin guides his students through the fundamentals while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and confidence in the kitchen.
​
Known for his warm, approachable teaching style, Chef Kevin creates an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing. His commitment to culinary education and his passion for hospitality make him not only a talented chef but also a trusted mentor and a valued part of the Create-a-Cook team.
Chef Shawn Holmes
Chef Shawn Holmes brings more than 25 years of culinary experience and a passion for teaching to the Create-a-Cook team. Growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he discovered his love for cooking at just 16 years old while working in a nursing facility kitchen and attending Culinary Arts at technical school—the very same school where he now has the privilege of returning to teach and inspire future chefs.
​
After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Shawn completed his externship at the historic William Penn Inn, where he developed a strong foundation in American and French cuisine. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of kitchens, advancing from line cook to Executive Chef while creating original menus, developing catering programs, and mentoring culinary teams.
​
Some of the highlights of Chef Shawn's career include managing concessions at the Elmwood Park Zoo, mastering the art of ice carving, working with unique and exotic ingredients, and leading dining operations for senior living communities for more than 20 years. Today, he serves as the Executive Chef of Dining Services at Germantown Academy, where he creates exciting menus and introduces students to cuisines and cultures from around the world.
​
At Create-a-Cook, Chef Shawn is excited to share the knowledge, techniques, and experiences he's gained throughout his career. He loves helping young chefs build confidence, develop practical cooking skills, explore new flavors, and discover the joy of creating delicious food. He looks forward to inspiring the next generation of cooks—one recipe at a time!
Ava Todd
Growing up, Ava discovered her love for baking in the kitchen with her grandmother, where they created cherished memories that sparked a lifelong passion for pastry. Her love for baking
continued to grow throughout high school while attending the Baking and Pastry Arts program at Central Montco Technical High School, where she spent three years developing her skills and deepening her passion for pastry. Inspired to further her education, Ava attended the Culinary Institute of America, where she recently earned an Associates Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts.
During her education, Ava completed an internship at Philidelphia Country Club, where she gained firsthand experience working in a professional pastry kitchen. She enjoys combining creativity and technique to create desserts that bring people together and create memories.
This summer, Ava is excited to bring that enthusiasm to Create-a-Cook by helping the young bakers build confidence, develop new skills, and of course, have fun. She hopes to inspire the campers to discover the same joy in baking and appreciation for food that she did when she was young.
I'Jhier Richards
I’jhier Richards is an Instructional Assistant at Create-a-Cook, working alongside Chef Carisa at our Haverford campus. He is a proud graduate of Central Montco Technical High School, where he studied culinary arts under Chef Young. During his time there, I’jhier earned a Certificate of Competence and his ServSafe certification, laying a strong foundation for his culinary journey.
With two years of experience in the food industry—including hands-on work at Qdoba Mexican Eats and Shack Shake—I’jhier brings both technical knowledge and a calm, supportive presence to the kitchen. This summer marks his first time teaching, and he’s already developed a passion for working with young chefs. He especially enjoys their energy, excitement, and the fearless confidence they bring to every recipe.
I’jhier’s teaching style is calm and hands-on, and he encourages kids to experiment with their plating and creativity—reminding them that in cooking, “there’s no wrong answer.” One of his favorite dishes to make is Steak au Poivre, a recipe he learned during his culinary training and continues to enjoy making.
He’s excited to be part of the Create-a-Cook team and loves the upbeat energy that campers bring to the kitchen each day.
Rylan Mulliken
Rylan Mulliken is an Assistant Instructor with Create-a-Cook and a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, where he earned his Associate degree in Culinary Arts. During his time at the CIA, he developed a strong foundation in both culinary techniques and hospitality, gaining experience in kitchen operations as well as front-of-house service.
​
As part of his culinary education, Rylan completed his externship at the prestigious Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida, where he gained valuable experience in a professional fine dining environment. His culinary interests include seafood cookery, hand-crafted pasta, and creating dishes that combine classic techniques with modern flavors.
​
When he's not in the kitchen, Rylan enjoys exploring new restaurants, discovering new music, and continuing to expand his culinary knowledge. One of his long-term goals is to open his own pasta and wine bar, where he can share his passion for handcrafted cuisine with others.
​
This summer, Rylan is excited to help campers build confidence in the kitchen, develop new cooking skills, and create a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for every young chef at Create-a-Cook.
Sara DiBenedetto
Sara’s passion for food began at an early age, rooted in her Italian heritage. Some of her fondest memories are exploring cultural food markets with her father and cooking traditional Italian dishes alongside him in the family kitchen. These experiences inspired a lifelong love of culinary arts.
Her professional culinary journey started at North Montco Technical Career Center, where she completed three years in the Culinary Arts Program during high school. She continued her education at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas, Texas, earning a Certificate in Culinary Arts.
Following graduation, Sara built a successful career in the restaurant industry, including more than a decade at The Bay Pony Inn. Throughout her restaurant career, she discovered a passion for mentoring and training new employees. After spending over ten years developing young culinary professionals and watching their confidence and skills flourish, she transitioned from the kitchen into education.
Today, Sara serves as a Culinary Instructional Assistant at Technical College High School Pickering Campus, where she enjoys helping aspiring chefs develop the technical skills, creativity, and professionalism needed to succeed in the culinary industry.
An enthusiastic lifelong learner, Sara loves exploring new flavors, cuisines, and culinary traditions. She often plans her travels around exceptional restaurants and regional specialties, drawing inspiration from food cultures around the world.
Sara believes culinary arts is the ultimate form of creative expression—an art that never goes out of style. Food transcends backgrounds, cultures, and generations, creating connections and bringing people together around a shared experience.
Sophia
Sophia is Create-a-Cook's first camp counselor this summer! She is a rising junior at local High School. Sophia has always had many amazing memories in the kitchen, like cooking with her family, baking for fun, or helping with a feast for a holiday dinner. Her heritage makes her love to explore new foods from different cultures, which she likes to recreate. She had attended Create-a-Cook camp many times in the past and fell in love with the unique experience of being able to have guided independence while cooking with professional equipment in a safe environment.
​
Sophia has earned the Distinguished Honor Roll in her school since the 6th grade. She received numerous awards for her performance in Foreign Language and was recently inducted into the French National Honor Society. She is very interested in sciences such as Biology, Chemistry, and others and is taking many related courses at her high school.
​
Sophia has a love for creativity – she enjoys drawing, writing, dancing, ice skating, baking (of course) and much more! She loves to spend time with her family and friends as well.
This summer, she is very excited to meet and connect with the campers!
Rashad
Rashad is a kitchen utility assistant with Create-a-Cook. Originally from Philadelphia, he moved to Norristown in 2016 and has become known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. He enjoys being part of a team and takes pride in helping keep the kitchen running smoothly so campers and staff can have a great experience.
​
Outside of the kitchen, Rashad has a passion for creativity and the arts. He enjoys sewing, knitting, listening to music, and has been teaching himself to play the guitar for the past year. After graduating from high school, he plans to attend college to study fashion design, where he hopes to turn his creativity into a career.
​
One of the accomplishments Rashad is most proud of isn't a trophy or an award—it's knowing that he goes to bed each night having made a positive difference in someone's life. Whether he's helping a teammate, supporting campers behind the scenes, or simply lending a hand when it's needed, he believes that kindness and hard work can have a lasting impact.
​
This summer, Rashad is excited to continue learning and acquiring new skills that he can carry with him into the future. He's looking forward to being part of the Create-a-Cook team and helping make camp a fun and memorable experience for every junior chef. And if you ask him about his favorite dessert, he'll quickly tell you it's strawberry shortcake—a classic treat that's hard to beat!
​
We're excited to have Rashad as part of the Create-a-Cook family this summer!
