Mark Wilson, Team Leader, Rodriguez Elementary
Mark Wilson began his culinary career with a degree from The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City in 2006 where he specialized in healthy cooking, bread baking and cooking with kids. Wilson spent 1,400 hours as a chef assistant for guest chefs at ICE, and had the privilege of working under Tyler Florence, Lidia Bastianich and Sara Moulton. In addition, he worked as the Special Event Cook for Martha Steward Living Omnimedia in New York. Wilson also interned as a catering cook for Dano Events on Fifth Avenue.
Since moving to Houston he has worked in equally high-end locales, including the Hotel Zaza, where he was the head Pastry Chef. Wilson currently maintains his pastry skills as a freelance caterer and cake baker.
But, he is happy to be back in the classroom with Recipe for Success: before becoming a chef, he worked as a fulltime educator for six years. Cooking with Recipe for Success allows him to pursue his two passions--food and teaching.
"I've been blessed with great teachers throughout my life, from elementary school to cooking school," he explains, "and now as a teacher with RFS, I've found my opportunity to share my passions for gardening and cooking, while teaching skills that these children can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Everyday at school, I watch kids taste things for the very first time. Now that's satisfaction."
Mark Wilson began his culinary career with a degree from The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City in 2006 where he specialized in healthy cooking, bread baking and cooking with kids. Wilson spent 1,400 hours as a chef assistant for guest chefs at ICE, and had the privilege of working under Tyler Florence, Lidia Bastianich and Sara Moulton. In addition, he worked as the Special Event Cook for Martha Steward Living Omnimedia in New York. Wilson also interned as a catering cook for Dano Events on Fifth Avenue. Since moving to Houston he has worked in equally high-end locales, including the Hotel Zaza, where he was the head Pastry Chef. Wilson currently maintains his pastry skills as a freelance caterer and cake baker.
But, he is happy to be back in the classroom with Recipe for Success: before becoming a chef, he worked as a fulltime educator for six years. Cooking with Recipe for Success allows him to pursue his two passions--food and teaching.
"I've been blessed with great teachers throughout my life, from elementary school to cooking school," he explains, "and now as a teacher with RFS, I've found my opportunity to share my passions for gardening and cooking, while teaching skills that these children can carry with them for the rest of their lives. Everyday at school, I watch kids taste things for the very first time. Now that's satisfaction."
