BACKGROUND

Growing up with Jewish cultural traditions, food has always been an important part of Melissa’s life, as cooking and eating in community are felt as acts of deep love. Melissa first explored a plant-based diet during college, and since she loved eating great food, she realized she’d better learn how to make it herself! 

As she began exploring the world of plant-based foods more intentionally, she discovered her passion, creativity, and focus come alive in the kitchen. Her holistic Natural Chef training further honed her understanding of food as medicine and inspired her to focus her gifts into supporting healing through food. 

Over the past 7 years, Melissa has cooked for wellness retreats at Hestia Retreat Center in Mt. Shasta, cooked Northern Iranian food with Komaaj, assisted with cooking classes at Kitchen on Fire in Berkeley, and led online cooking and fermentation classes to support wellness during the pandemic. She currently works for Bauman College (the culinary school she attended), helping to educate culinary students eager to spread the gift of healing foods. Melissa also supports community wellness with Gratitude Blooming through nature, gratitude and art inspired reflection. 

MY SINGING VEGETABLES

My Singing Vegetables was born from Melissa’s loving relationship with the vegetables she works with. From the farmers market to the kitchen, Melissa approaches the process of cooking as both an opportunity for creative expression and an act of love. Each vegetable has a song to be sung, and through simple loving preparations, Melissa helps them each to shine.