Meet Our Chefs: The Culinary Heroes Behind Our Meals

Meet Our Chefs: The Culinary Heroes Behind Our Meals

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.

Together, we can ensure no senior in Montgomery County goes hungry or feels forgotten. Through our meal delivery and transportation services, we provide so much More Than a Meal– we enhance the quality of life for seniors by providing nutritious meals, companionship, and access to ADA compliant transportation. Click below to donate today or learn more about our volunteer opportunities.