we proudly present our
Special Eats Special Team Members
Alex
Food Truck
Food Truck
Alex supports the operation of our food truck by managing orders and assisting with setup and takedown. His dedication and teamwork help ensure that every event runs smoothly and efficiently.
Arturo
Cashier/Custodial
Cashier/Custodial
Arturo is a versatile team member at Special Eats, handling everything from cashiering and custodial duties to creating merchandise and designing artistic bags for our trucks. His adaptability and creativity make him an invaluable part of our team.
Ally
Support
Support
Ally loves making bracelets and necklaces, and she also enjoys singing songs from High School Musical! You can always count on a smile from her. She also helps with our custodial team and social media team, and we love having her positive energy around every day.
Brenda
Social Media/Custodial/Groundskeeping
Social Media/Custodial/Groundskeeping
Brenda is a multitalented member of the Special Eats team, managing our social media while also handling custodial duties, gardening, marketing, and groundskeeping projects. Her versatility, dedication, and creativity make her an essential part of our operations.
Ben
The Artist
The Artist
Ben is a talented artist who designs and creates unique, beautiful artwork. We are proud that he has chosen Special Eats as an outlet for his passion. You can see Ben’s artwork featured on our “to-go” bags at our cheese event, be sure to get yours while they last!
Christopher
Store Inventory
Store Inventory
Christopher is a versatile member of the Special Eats team, managing inventory, assisting with artistic bag creations, and serving as a cashier. His dedication and adaptability help keep our operations running smoothly.
Cory
Custodial
Custodial
Cory is our dedicated custodial specialist, ensuring that everything stays clean and organized. He also supports our Grilled Cheese truck, helping to fulfill orders accurately and adding a personal touch with our artistic bags. His attention to detail and commitment make him an important part of the Special Eats team.
Christina
Food Truck/Groundskeeping
Food Truck/Groundskeeping
Christina works in our food truck taking orders, helping prep your delicious food, and even pitching in with landscaping. We’re so lucky to have her on our team!
Christian
Custodial/Groundskeeping
Custodial/Groundskeeping
Christian loves to do landscaping at our office. He prides himself on the detail he puts into landscaping at our beautiful office.
Cassandra
Custodial/ Sweets truck
Custodial/ Sweets truck
Cassandra not only helps with custodial work, but also shines on our sweets truck! She loves that Special Eats has given her the opportunity to grow, step outside her comfort zone, and discover just how much she’s capable of.
Charles
Support
Support
Charles likes to do custodial work and also work on our to-go bags. You will always hear him singing "You've Got a Friend in Me."
Corinah
Custodial
Custodial
Corinah loves to make to-go bags and also likes to make sure everything is clean. She is a team player, and you can always count on her to get a task done.
Chelsea
Custodial/ Food Truck/Social Media
Custodial/ Food Truck/Social Media
Chelsea is our dedicated gamer! She enjoys playing "Halo" along with various other games, but "Halo" remains her top choice. She is a member of both our Social Media and Custodial teams, and she also assists with the cash register for our Trucks. You can always rely on her for support.
Chris
Support
Support
Chris creates the amazing to-go bags for our trucks, and you may have even seen some of his incredible artwork on them! His creativity adds a special touch to every order and helps make each customer's experience even more memorable. When he's not creating art, Chris enjoys practicing yoga in his free time. We're so thankful to have his talent and creativity as part of the Special Eats team!
Dave, aka DJ
Support
Support
Dave (aka “DJ”) is another wonderful addition to our special team. With a heart almost too large to be contained, Dave is especially caring when anyone in the Special Eats family is struggling through difficult times or rough patches. Courageous and true, Dave has never shied away from lending a helping hand, a kind word, or even a kick in the seat of the pants when required. He has a great love for animals, especially his dog “Puppy” and would love to, one day, be a part of the United States Navy.
Daniel
Social Media/Custodial
Social Media/Custodial
Daniel is a valued member of our Social Media team, keeping our calendars updated and everything running smoothly. He also creates videos and content for Special Eats, helping share our story with the community. On top of that, he supports our custodial team as well. We’re so grateful to have him as part of our team!
Emily
Artistic
Artistic
Emily loves to dance when no one is watching! She enjoys singing, watching SpongeBob SquarePants, and bringing her creativity to life by designing our to go bags. We love the joy and creativity she brings to our team
Greg
Food Truck
Food Truck
Special Eats is truly grateful to have Greg share his incredible artistic talent with us. In such a short time, he has grown into one of our standout grilled cheese artists, quickly stepping into a cook role while earning the respect and admiration of his team. Greg dreams of working hard and one day becoming the master chef we all know he can be and we are proud to support him every step of the way.
Holden
Support
Support
Holden is one of the most humble people we know. Quiet and a bit shy, Holden is most energetic in his humility. He has a nearly magical ability of finding what needs to be done, getting it done, and moving on to the next task. Highly creative, he is always busy, always willing to lend a hand to anyone, anytime. He enjoys arts and theatre and especially loves being amongst the diverse and varied Special Team members at work here at Special Eats. We are truly blest to have him as part of our Special Eats team.
John
Food Truck
Food Truck
John is our top-notch food prepper on the truck, expertly handling bread preparation and sandwich cutting. He also takes charge in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for everyone to enjoy!
Jaymi
Support
Support
Jaymi loves bringing creativity to life by helping make our merchandise! From designing t-shirts and jewelry to preparing our to-go bags for the truck, she adds her special touch to everything she works on.
Jenny
Support
Support
Jenny loves art, crafts, and puzzles, and she takes pride in stamping our to-go bags. She’s caring, kind, and fiercely independent bringing both creativity and heart to everything she does!
Jesse
Support
Support
Jesse excels at giving high-fives while helping make our merchandise.
Julie
Custodial
Custodial
Julie says that working with Special Eats not only gave her a opportunity to work but also to make friends who have become family to her.
Jesus
Support
Support
Jesus is part of the Car Wash, Custodial, Social Media & Gardening crew. He does it all!
Jesus G.
Custodial
Custodial
You will always see him wearing U of A merchandise. He also helps with our custodial team. His favorite team is U of A.
Josiah
Food & Dessert Truck
Food & Dessert Truck
Josiah works in our Food & Dessert truck. He makes the food and the desserts, and not only that, but he also makes videos of it. He does it all.
Karen
Support
Support
Karen is another multi-talented hand here at Special Eats. You name it, she’ll get it done and there is nothing that she won’t do with the maximum amount of enthusiasm and love. Karen especially enjoys training other folks in procedures, turning out true pros and helping us all recognize our true potential. She is a valuable asset to Special Eats.
Kari
Support
Support
Kari, help us with our to-go bags for the truck.
Kirk
Garden & Car Wash
Garden & Car Wash
If you need your car wash, he is the one to go to! He enjoys doing Arts & Crafts. He also enjoys working with our gardening crew.
Lindsay
Support
Support
Lindsay is part of our baking crew. She loves to bake and dance at the same time. She also likes to make our beautiful to-go bags for both of our trucks.
Miguel
Custodial & Car wash
Custodial & Car wash
Miguel says, " This is the best job he has ever had." Not only does he work with our Custodial crew, but he is also a pro at detailing for our car wash!
Michelle
Custodial/Food Truck/Social Media
Custodial/Food Truck/Social Media
Michelle is part of our Social Media Team and also the Custodial Team. She also helps with our food truck to prep for gigs. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, and playing Football.
Priya
Support
Support
She is part of our janitorial crew at our office and commissary. She loves to sing while cleaning and loves to give hugs.
Robert B.
Support
Support
Robert enjoys painting and doing food bags for our food truck.
Robert
Support
Support
Robert helps in our merchandising department. He puts together baskets and jewelry.
Richard
Custodial
Custodial
Richard is a valued member of our custodial team, helping keep Special Eats clean and looking its best every day. In his free time, he enjoys vacationing at his cabins and spending time with his cats. We're so grateful to have him on our team!
Sharon
Support
Support
Sharon is part of our jewelry-making crew for our merchandise. She also likes to help with cashiering while selling our merchandise. She says she loves her job, and it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a family.
Scott
Support
Support
“HEY BUDDY!” Scott is our resident inspiration. He inspires us, he motivates us, he encourages us, usually with just a wonderful smile and a jolly, “Hey, Buddy” Scott is usually the first person picked for any team, even if he knows nothing about the game he’s being picked for. He supports our Special Eats food truck through arts and crafts and will always be one of our favorite picks.
Sharon
Support
Support
Sharon is that special and rare soul with a quick wit and a quicker smile. Sharon is a shopper, that is, a hard-core shopper. There’s none of that “stopping off for a few minutes” kind of stuff in her life. It comes in handy here at Special Eats as we are in constant need of many different kinds of supplies, crafts, and other support.
Sarah
Sales
Sales
Sarah sells our merchandise. Come and get some food and merchandise from Sarah and one of our events.
Skye
Support
Support
She enjoys coloring bags for the truck and she also enjoys working at the Sweet shop.
Sonia
Support
Support
What can you say about Sonia that isn’t just simply awesome? Sonia keeps going and going until it gets done, and you can bet it will always get done. Along the way she adds her own bit of special talent, turning out wonderful work for our merchandising and artistic work here at Special Eats.
Troy
Support
Support
Troy has won a lot of medals in the Special Olympics. He is a pro in swimming and running, and one of his favorite hobbies is bowling. Be careful if you want to compete in sports with him, you may not have a chance. Special Eats is blessed to have him with us.
Trevor
Custodial & Food Truck
Custodial & Food Truck
He helps with custodial duties and works on both of our trucks. At home, he enjoys relaxing, sleeping, and watching movies.
Unique
Social Media
Social Media
Just like her name, she is very Unique. She enjoys traveling and playing games. She helps with our Social Media with making videos for our Grilled cheese and Dessert truck.
Vincent
Cashier
Cashier
He has autism, but that doesn’t stop him from being your amazing cashier. Vincent is in our training program for 16-year-olds, and this is his first job. He says he loves having a job. Come out and get to know Vincent as he works the register at our many, delightful events.
Valerie
Support
Support
Valerie is the women with the perfect smile. When that smile flies no one is immune to it’s incredible charm. She is also a very talented artist and it shows in everything she does. This combination of charm and talent can brighten up even the most cynical of lives and is especially useful here at Special Eats.
Our Job Coaches & Support Staff
Job Coaches provide the tools and a safe environment necessary for individuals with special needs to explore their world, identify their potential, and use that potential as a stepping stone to greater possibilities. Job Coaches work in a fast-paced environment requiring incredible confidence and ability while, at the same time, great humility, resisting any urge to “supervise” or jump in and do it all. Altogether, our management team and job coaches bring over 120 years of combined experience in special needs training to Special Eats and to Special Eats Sweets.
Jasmyn
Director
Jasmyn has dedicated 28 years to the field of Special Needs Development. Her extensive experience has been an invaluable asset to our Team. Additionally, she manages our GSE/DTA and DDD advocacy efforts. In her leisure time, she takes pleasure in hiking and connecting with nature.
Elaine
Payroll Specialist
Elaine is an outstanding bookkeeper who ensures everything runs smoothly, from regulatory compliance to payroll and financial operations. Whether faced with complex accounting challenges, she handles them with precision and efficiency. Elaine’s dedication and expertise make her the steady glue that holds everything together at Special Eats.
Dom
Training Director
Dom is our corporate trainer providing support to our providers. He possesses two decades of expertise in systems, engineering and technology He is also our primary resource when issues arise within our system. During his leisure time, he enjoys engaging in outdoor pursuits, including gardening and scuba diving.
Haley
Payroll Specialist Assistant
Haley is highly skilled with numbers and a trusted resource for solving complex mathematical challenges. In addition to her expertise, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines, bringing curiosity, precision, and enthusiasm to all that she does.
Sonia
Candy Store Supervisor
Sonia serves as the Creative Director at Special Eats, bringing exceptional vision and expertise to every project. Alongside her son, who has Down syndrome, she designs unique merchandise, custom gift baskets, and bespoke jewelry, transforming ideas into one of a kind creations. Sonia’s creativity, skill, and dedication make her an invaluable member of the Special Eats team.
Naomi
Social Media/ Job Coach
Naomi brings four years of experience working with individuals with special needs and seven years in the medical field as a phlebotomist and medical assistant. Her diverse background reflects her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to serving others. As Social Media Director, Naomi oversees all aspects of Special Eats’ social media, ensuring our message and mission reach the community effectively.
Laurie
Job Coach
Extremely creative, detail orientated, and eternally happy, Laurie and has never met a room that she could not clean, fix, decorate, brighten up, or otherwise embellish with white glove precision. She brings out the best in all of us and our wonderful facilities. We are proud to have her aboard.
Natalie
Job Coach
When life hands Natalie lemons, she serves up lemonade, a juicy steak, and a glass of Pinot Noi always with a smile. Full of positivity, patience, and heart, she helps others discover their best selves. We’re lucky to have her energy and talent lighting up Special Eats!
Rita
Job Coach
Rita is always ready to lend a helping hand! She helps with our merchandise and gift baskets, and her positive attitude makes her a wonderful teammate. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends.
Isabella
Job Coach
Isabella, who is known as "Izzy," has begun her first job with us, and we are pleased to have her on board. She demonstrates excellent teamwork skills. During her leisure time, she takes pleasure in skateboarding. Therefore, be cautious if you happen to see her! We are excited to welcome her to our team.
Robin
Job Coach
We are excited to have Robin on our team! He approaches everything with a smile. He has the ability to construct nearly anything! He is one of our go-to people when something needs fixing. In his spare time, he enjoys camping and has a passion for cooking and baking.
Jessica
Job Coach
She serves as one of our job coaches and is affectionately referred to as our plant goddess because of her cheerful demeanor. Jessica takes pleasure in spending time with her children, traveling, and enjoying music.
Jordan
Job Coach
We are privileged that Jordan has begun his first job with us; thus far, he has demonstrated commitment and is always eager to assist. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing games such as Roblox and Minecraft.
Jacob
Job Coach
Jacob is one of our dedicated Job Coaches, helping with our merchandise and art program. In his free time, he enjoys shopping. We're grateful to have him as part of the Special Eats team
Justin
Chef / Job Coach
Justin brings 28 years of experience in the culinary arts, sharing his passion, skill, and leadership with our team every day. His extensive background in the kitchen helps guide and inspire those he works with. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and fishing with friends and family, creating memories beyond the kitchen.
Rachel
Job Coach
Rachel is one of our amazing Job Coaches who is always ready to help wherever she is needed. She is dependable, trustworthy, and always gets the job done. We’re grateful to have Rachel as part of the Special Eats team!
Scott
Job Coach
Scott brings 14 years of experience in his field, offering dedication, knowledge, and steady leadership to our team. His expertise and commitment make a meaningful impact every day. Outside of work, Scott enjoys staying active by hiking and bowling, and he’s a passionate hockey fan who loves attending games whenever he can.
Dalton
Job Coach
Dalton has a passion for cooking and baking, bringing creativity and flavor to everything he makes. In his free time, he loves spending quality moments with his wife and his loyal companion, Odin, making every day a little brighter.
Kyle
Job Coach
Kyle is one of our dedicated job coaches for the Grilled Cheese Truck and brings his expertise as a skilled mechanic to everything he does. Passionate about cars and problem-solving, he combines knowledge with patience to guide our team. In his free time, Kyle enjoys connecting with nature and spending quality time with his family.
Morgan
Job Coach
Morgan serves as a pilot and has a true passion for aviation and travel. Though he is relatively new to the profession, he brings enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong drive to grow in his career. We are excited to have Morgan as part of the Special Eats team and look forward to all he will accomplish with us.
Marni
Job Coach
Marni is one of our dedicated job coaches at the Special Eats Sweets store. She supports our merchandise operations and works closely with our art crew, helping bring creativity and organization to everything we do. In her free time, Marni enjoys writing poetry, where she expresses her creativity in a whole new way.
AJ
Job Coach
This is AJ’s first job, and we’re so happy he started with us! He is always willing to help and brings a great attitude every day. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball, and his favorite team is the New York Yankees.
Jessica
Job Coach
Jessica, who goes by Jess, is one of our amazing Job Coaches at Special Eats. With her experience managing restaurants and cleaning businesses, she is one of our go-to people whenever we need a helping hand. We’re grateful to have Jess as part of our team!
Bexx
Therapy Dog
If you ever walk through Special Eats, you will hear a special bark, and that will be our beautiful therapy dog, Bexx. Bexx loves belly rubs, but she also loves to love on you. She loves to give kisses, and also loves to be by your side whenever you feel down and also in your greatest moments.