Chef Matrell knows and loves GOOD FOOD! After successfully living a carb conscious lifestyle for five years, she decided to dedicate her life to creating delicious healthful meals for others. Matrell has been in the business of providing excellent customer service for more than twenty-two years. A former IT executive from Washington, DC, Matrell chose to change career paths and pursue her dream of providing creative, healthful and delicious meals to the masses.

Chef Matrell relocated to Tallahassee, Florida where she enrolled in the Keiser University Center For Culinary Arts. She graduated with honors and earned a degree in Culinary Arts and Certified Culinarian status. She is also a graduate of the Culinary Business Academy (endorsed by the United States Personal Chef Association). Chef Matrell completed her culinary externship and worked at some of Tallahassee's finest restaurants before launching her business. Since opening Specialties Gourmet (SG) in 2004, Chef Matrell has donated countless hours to providing healthy cooking demonstrations, workshops and seminars for seniors, and rural faith based communities. Other accomplishments include:

• Won first place in local Junior Chef Hot Foods Competition 6/6/05
  
  
• Graduated with 4.0 Honors and a Degree in Culinary Arts from the Keiser University Center for Culinary Arts 8/2005
  
  
• Selected by Chef Michael Chiarello (Food Network) to be his Sous Chef for a Crawfordville dinner party event 3/2006
  
  
• Nominated for Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards in the category of Emerging Business of the Year 2006
  
  
• Won Florida Association of Post-Secondary Education and Colleges (FAPSC) Graduate of the Year 2005/2006
  
  
• Authored Hearts & Souls Cookbook in support of the Big Bend Rural Health Network and Jefferson County Faith Based Community. 8/2006
  
  
• Teamed with the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend to provide a summer cooking camp experience for the Bethel Boys & Girls Club. 6/2007
  
  
• 6/2008 - Won service business of the year award - Simply Soulful

Chef Matrell has a sincere passion for food, and is committed to creating educational opportunities to promote healthy cooking. She is licensed, insured and ServSafe Certified with the state of Florida. She is also an active member of the American Personal Chef Association, and American Culinary Federation.