Gabriel Rodriguez is the Director of Culinary Education at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment. He most recently served as Lead Chef Instructor at the Center and uses his 25 years of experience in the hospitality and food industry to oversee the culinary, baking, and barista education and employment programming. Gabriel’s love for cooking began when he was a child—he remembers his grandmother sitting him on the counter and helping her crack eggs. Prior to joining Homes for the Homeless (HFH), Gabriel worked as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, Johnson & Wales University, where he taught Culinary and Hospitality classes. He also previously served as the former Director of Culinary Arts for the Greyston Foundation, an organization that offers job-training and employment to people who face barriers when entering the workforce. A Bronx native, Gabriel is looking forward to giving back to his community by sharing his passion and knowledge of culinary arts. Gabriel earned his B.S in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management with a minor in Nutrition from Johnson & Wales University.

Jayda Gabriel is a Chef with a focus on the pastry arts at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment. She teaches pastry workshops from the highly technical like French macaroons and fresh puff pastry to the fun and creative cupcake and ice cream-making workshops. Jayda began her career working at a bakery production facility and then as a pastry chef at Marta’s restaurant, both in NYC. She enjoys challenging recipes—breaking them down into bite sized pieces for her students—and has a keen eye for what is happening in the pastry food world. Jayda received her associate’s degree from Sullivan County Community College.

Julissa Barillas is the Culinary Employment Coordinator at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment. She utilizes her prior experience as an Employment Coach at Rescare and Intake Specialist at Fedcap Rehabilitation Services to help graduates of Homes for the Homeless (HFH)’s culinary program secure employment including revising resumes, creating job referrals, and building partnerships with outside organizations. Julissa is passionate about promoting career readiness and making job accessibility available to all. She received her Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Administration as well as her Bachelor’s degree in American Urban Studies at the Metropolitan College of New York.