Organization: Arc Culinary, Sunrise, FL
Title: Student Chef Instructor
Nominated by: Jenny Mackie, Vice President of Marketing
Chef Chad Phillips has been employed with Arc Culinary since March 2024 as a Chef Instructor. What sets him apart is not just his exceptional culinary skill, but the heart, patience, and dedication he brings to every aspect of teaching. He is one of a kind—an exemplary chef, yes, but also a deeply compassionate educator and mentor. Chef Chad embraces the unique strengths and challenges each student brings, tailoring his teaching style to meet diverse learning needs. His classroom and lab are inclusive, empowering spaces where students are not only taught but truly seen and heard. He goes above and beyond to create meaningful, personalized experiences that build confidence and highlight individual talents. Whether he’s developing new instructional strategies or mentoring graduates through paid internships, Chef Chad pours himself into their growth. His commitment doesn’t end at graduation; he actively seeks out opportunities to support his students’ ongoing development. His warmth, adaptability, and unwavering dedication make him a transformative presence in the lives of those he teaches.
Chef Chad has had a profound impact on the success of our program. His commitment to student-centered teaching has led to increased student engagement, retention, and post-graduation success. By developing inclusive instructional strategies and overseeing paid internship opportunities for graduates, he has helped bridge the gap between education and employment. As a result, graduate placement rates have improved, and student feedback consistently highlights his influence as a key factor in their confidence and career readiness. A specific example of his impact is highlighted by a graduate named Jameel. When Jameel graduated from the Entry-Level Culinary Arts certificate program, he had the opportunity to do a working interview with a company that primarily makes biscuits. To ensure Jameel was prepared and confident going into the interview, Chef Chad dedicated countless afternoons with Jameel, practicing the precise measurements and execution of the key tasks. The interview was a success, and Jameel got the job! Chef Chad’s dedication has elevated both the student experience and the overall reputation of our program.
A typical day for Chef Chad is a dynamic blend of instruction, mentorship, and hands-on leadership. He works closely with entry-level culinary students enrolled in the 16-week certificate program, guiding them through both the hands-on lab and classroom components of a licensed and accredited curriculum. In Arc Culinary’s commercial kitchen, he teaches fundamental techniques and cooking tasks, ensuring students gain real-world experience in a professional environment. Beyond instruction, Chef Chad collaborates with program leadership to plan curriculum-based purchases, ensuring students have the tools and ingredients they need to succeed. Chef Chad’s role extends well beyond teaching—he tutors students in need of additional support and often acts as an unofficial counselor, helping them navigate personal challenges that may affect their academic and career goals. He regularly leads field trips to local markets, specialty grocers, and fine dining establishments, exposing students to diverse culinary experiences. Notably, he has even taken students on galley tours on U.S. Naval ships to expose them to unique work environments in the culinary landscape. Through his dedication and immersive teaching style, Chef Chad plays a central role in shaping not just skilled culinary professionals but confident individuals ready to thrive in the workforce.
Chef Chad has attended numerous CK presentations and trainings. Likewise, he has facilitated a couple of trainings and has been interviewed:
• Facilitated “Adjusting the Recipe – Serving Neurodivergent Students” training to Catalyst Kitchen members
• Co-presented “World Mental Health Day” event via live stream by Fair Kitchens
• Attended Catalyst Kitchen’s Southwest Regional Summit
SPECIAL ALERT!
Thanks to a generous donation from a founding Catalyst Kitchens board member and friend of David Carleton, the Catalyst Kitchen’s Founder’s Fund has an opportunity to raise matching funds up to $5,000 during this year’s Catalyst for Change Award Season!
This is a time-limited opportunity to get your gift matched! Donate now by clicking the button below, before the window closes, to double your generosity and impact!
Here are the 2025 Catalyst for Change. As you read their stories, consider supporting the work of Catalyst Kitchens and our members, enabling the amazing impact of frontline staff like our nominees.
