Instructor Bios N-Z
Nancy O'Connor, MS Ed, is the Nutrition Educator and Outreach Coordinator at the Merc. She is the author of the "Rolling Prairie Cookbook" - a celebration of fresh local produce. Nancy loves to teach people how to make healthy food choices.
Ravi Phull began her life's journey in Kenya, East Africa, born to Indian parents. She grew up in London, which she regards as her home. Ravi enjoys cooking and loves to experiment by fusing together foods from different countries and cultures.
Karen Roberts, ARNP-C, is a nurse with the Internal Medicine Group in Lawrence. She is an experience speaker, has written for the American Journal of Nursing, and will make you smile as you learn.
Mari Ruck graduated from the culinary program at Johnson County Community College in 1999. Mari is a knowledgeable, thorough and clear presenter...and she loves good food!
Bonnie Sparrman is a seasoned culinary instructor who is passionate about teaching people to cook and enjoy well-prepared food. While she is an RN, Bonnie studied cooking in Sweden where she gained a greater understanding of her own culinary heritage. She recently returned to Kansas after a summer as head cook at a conference center and camp in upper Michigan.
After graduating from the Kansas City Art Institute, Nancy Stark fell into the food business and never looked back. She has now worked in the industry for 22 years, first as a partner in two local restaurants, the West Side Café and the Boulevard Café, and then as the pastry chef at Venue. Next she lived in New York City for 3 years, working at Le Cirque, Osteria del Circo, and teaching at the French Culinary Institute, all under the supervision of Master Patissier Jacques Torres. After two stages in Europe she returned to Kansas City where she worked as Executive Chef of the Culinary Center of Kansas City for 8 years. Since leaving that position in 2006 she has been a traveling Executive Business Car Chef with BNSF Railways, in addition to freelancing as a specialty baker, caterer and cooking teacher.
Paige Vandegrift is a professionally trained chef. In 1992 she graduated from Le Cordon Blue in London. Paige has worked at the award winning American Restaurant, The Pastry Goddess and the Culinary Center in Kansas City. She has worked and studied in France. To learn more about Paige visit her website at www.simple-food.com.
