By: Heather Robertson
At Meals on Wheels Montgomery County, our dedicated team of chefs brings more than culinary expertise to our kitchen—they bring heart, passion, and a deep commitment to serving our senior community. Let’s meet the talented individuals who make our meal program possible.
Chef John Alton: Two Decades of Culinary Excellence
With over 20 years of professional cooking experience, Chef John Alton has been a cornerstone of our culinary team for 11 years. His journey to MOWMC was paved with extensive experience in senior dining, including roles at The Forum at the Woodlands and The Conservatory at Alden Bridge. His impressive background includes catering high profile events like Cirque Du Soleil with Spectrum Catering.
“I’ve always loved interacting & cooking for seniors,” says Chef John, who enhanced his expertise by completing specialized training at the Culinary Institute of Lenotre. “It brings joy to my heart to see them happy with a meal I was part of cooking.”
Chef Arielle: Classical Training Meets Community Service
Chef Arielle, a top graduate from the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville, brings classical culinary training and entrepreneurial experience to our kitchen. Before joining MOWMC in November 2022, she owned and operated the Savory Spoon in Jefferson, Georgia, and served as executive chef at Chops and Hops in Watkinsville.
“I love my job at Meals on Wheels,” Chef Arielle shares. “When the seniors call in, you can hear how much the meal means to them, and it makes everything worth it. Food makes people happy, so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?”
Chef Tina Wilkerson: BBQ Champion with a Heart of Gold
Chef Tina brings her competitive BBQ expertise and passion for traditional cooking to our kitchen. Starting as a Chef Assistant, her dedication and culinary skills earned her promotion to Chef. With two years at MOWMC, she combines traditional recipes with upscale techniques to create memorable meals for our seniors.
“It’s an honor and a blessing to do what I do,” says Chef Tina. “The heartfelt calls and thank yous from clients make every second of my job worth it.”
A Shared Mission
Together, these talented chefs form the backbone of our meal service program. Their diverse backgrounds, ranging from classical training to competitive BBQ, ensure our seniors receive varied, nutritious, and delicious meals every day. But what truly sets our culinary team apart is their shared commitment to serving our community’s seniors with dignity and care.
Each meal that leaves our kitchen carries not just nutrients but also the dedication and passion of these remarkable chefs. Their work exemplifies our mission at MOWMC: providing more than just meals – we’re delivering hope, independence, and caring connections to Montgomery County seniors.