Who We Are
C.H.E.F is more than a culinary training program. We are here to assist students learn culinary
skills to gain full time employment in the restaurant industry. We believe in giving more than the
training. We are focused on the recovery aspects of starting over. Students who have experienced
troubled pasts are given a new path to start over. We believe in focusing on the person as a whole
and introduce recovery meetings, healthy living options and gain self-confidence.
Our Mission
C.H.E.F. is creating opportunities and education through culinary and leadership development to
change lives and make a notable impact on our local communities.
Our Team
Jeff Koch- Founder and President
Jeff has been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years including being a lecturer at various Universities teaching hospitality management, culinary, and leadership. Jeff has been involved with other non-profit culinary training programs for over 9 years, and has written many curriculums and programs. He currently has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is working towards completing his PhD at the University of Colorado Denver. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors. One of his favorite quotes is “in order to keep it, we must give it away”.
Tammy Sparks-Co-Founder
Tammy has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years as a manager, barista, server and trainer. She currently is a lab technician for an orthodontist’s office. Tammy enjoys riding her motorcycle and spending time with her family including her two grandkids.
Board of Directors
Jeff Koch- Founder and President
Jeff has been in the hospitality industry for over 25 years including being a lecturer at various Universities teaching hospitality management, culinary, and leadership. Jeff has been involved with other non-profit culinary training programs for over 9 years, and has written many curriculums and programs. He currently has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and is working towards completing his PhD at the University of Colorado Denver. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors. One of his favorite quotes is “in order to keep it, we must give it away”.
Tammy Sparks-Co-Founder
Tammy has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years as a manager, barista, server and trainer. She currently is a lab technician for an orthodontist’s office. Tammy enjoys riding her motorcycle and spending time with her family including her two grandkids.
Brady Mann-Vice President
Brady has spent the last 17 years as an auto broker for JFR and Associates in Littleton, CO. He has spent the same 17 years with the Rocky Mountain Childhood Cancer Foundation putting together golf tournaments to help raise money for local families. In his spare time, you will find Brady on the golf course, fly fishing, or on the lake jet skiing.
Katie Tenhulzen- Secretary
Katie is a senior evaluator for the Colorado Department of Human Services. She is passionate about using data to connect justice-involved individuals with resources in their communities. Katie spends her free time at farmers markets and hiking with her dog Rue.
Brett Webb- Treasurer
Brett is a recent graduate from Colorado School of Mines where he earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and is excited to begin his new career at Credera as a Software Consultant. He is proud to be able to consider Jeff Koch a personal mentor of his, always seeking his helpful advice. When he’s not in front of a computer screen, Brett can be found spending time with his soon-to-be wife, ShyAnn and their cat Cloudy.
Dave Land
Dave is a proud Colorado native born and raised in the Lakewood area. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sports Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and also a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado Christian University. After several years working in the sports industry, Dave has transitioned to a career in administration with Non-Profit organizations. He is an avid sports fan and during his free time he enjoys watching the Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche and Broncos.
John Hunter
John started his career in the food and hospitality industry at a small, high-end catering company in NC at fifteen years old. Working his way up through the ranks, he worked at and managed multiple renowned restaurants and caterers both here in CO and on the East Coast. Since retiring his knives for wrenches, John now runs his own small business specializing in Harley Davidson Motorcycle restoration, customization, and sales. He still keeps his kitchen skills sharp by cooking for his loving wife and new baby girl. In his free time, John is likely found spending time with his family or in the saddle of one of his motorcycles.