At LIFT Enrichment, our team of over 250 chef teachers brings healthy culinary workshops to students across California and New York. Today, we want to introduce you to one of our teachers: Chef Scotty.
Chef Scotty has been teaching with us for nearly two years at districts like Vista USD. Since joining the team, he’s not only helped students build healthy habits—they’ve helped him find a deeper sense of purpose.
Here’s what he shared with us:
Hello, my name is Chef Scotty.
For years, I worked in the corporate world. The pace was relentless, and honestly, I felt disconnected from the impact of my work. But everything changed when I joined LIFT Enrichment.
Now, I get to teach kids how to cook. I see their eyes light up when they learn something new. And every week, I feel that what I’m doing matters.
Daniel Pink once said that motivation comes from autonomy, mastery, and purpose. I’ve found all three here. My colleagues often tell me, “Chef Scotty, this is what you were meant to do”—and I agree.
One of my favorite moments happened recently. A student named Victoria, one of my “little chefs,” came running up to me on a Wednesday afternoon. She said, “Chef Scotty, I missed you!” and told me she couldn’t wait for class to start again. That moment stayed with me.
Not all of our students have access to hands-on, enriching classes like these. That’s why what we’re doing at LIFT Enrichment is so important. We’re not just teaching recipes—we’re building confidence, curiosity, and healthy habits that kids carry with them.
One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Ratatouille:
“You must be imaginative and strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits. Your only limit is your soul.”
That spirit is exactly what I try to bring to every class. I’m so grateful to be part of this work.
We’re lucky to have Chef Scotty inspiring students every week with creativity and kindness.
If you’d like to bring our culinary workshops to your school, it’s easy—no kitchen required. We bring the fresh ingredients and the energy.