CHEFS IN TRAINING
Meet Chef Lilian
"Food has always been my passion. Already in high school, I knew that my professional path would somehow involve the preparation and enjoyment of flavorful and wholesome food. This path has included a B.A. in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Michigan State University and an M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science from Wayne State University. My professional endeavors have included leading cooking classes at both the University of Michigan and at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, serving as a Personal Chef, becoming a Registered Dietitian, and working in the kitchens of both Zingerman's and Whole Foods locally as well as fine establishments in Washington, D.C. I am delighted to begin a culinary program in collaboration with Exceptional Journeys. My first job as a Registered Dietitian was working with the IDD community through Community Mental Health here in Ann Arbor back in the late 90’s. I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to engage with this community again in a role that I’m passionate about. Currently,I manage Sprouting Chefs, LLC, a hands-on cooking school for kids and young adults that I founded back in 2015. My greatest passion lies in passing on my culinary skills to the next generation. Through hands-on cooking classes, participants learn about cooking techniques, food and kitchen safety, nutrition, ethnic cuisines, and about new foods & ingredients. Most of all, I hope to pass on the JOY of cooking."
Meet Johanna Mabry
Johanna Mabry, LMSW, ME.d, ATR, is a clinical social worker and art therapist. Johanna will be supporting Exceptional Journeys as a program development consultant and serve as the MSW field placement clinical supervisor for master-level social work students completing their master's in social work practicum hours at our center. Johanna brings over twenty-five years of clinical experience working with children, teens, and adults through individual, couples, family, and group therapeutic services in various settings. Johanna is a certified school social worker, psychotherapist, and consultant specializing in program development, providing neuro-affirming acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), social and executive function skills coaching, and parenting support. Her passions include disability inclusion, fostering creativity in all forms, and striving to build a daily life with her partner and three neurodiverse children rooted in resilience.
Johanna Mabry, LMSW, ATR Clinical Social Worker Registered Art Therapist
