Chefs' Biographies

Nancy Mullen

Nancy’s first career is social services where she runs a not-for-profit agency that serves youth in North Central Illinois.  Part time, she attends Elgin Community College where she is pursuing a degree as a pastry chef. She partners with Deb for Ovation Catering events. Nancy came to the culinary through her annual herb and vegetable garden, every year planting at least one thing that was “this year’s experiment” in order to appreciate uncommon and hard to find items.

Deb Miller

Although Deb has extensive expertise in teaching and social service, she has enjoyed cooking for decades and has the most fun entertaining with friends. Deb completed training at the Culinary Business Academy and is a member of the United States Personal Chef Association and currently serves as the Windy City Chapter President. Seasons of Thyme Personal Chef Service has entered year two and Ovation Catering, Inc. has realized a very successful first year.

In 2007, Nancy and Deb had the opportunity to travel to Florence, Italy, accompanied by private tour guide Nada Vergili (www.nadasitaly.com) to explore Italian cooking and wine pairings.  The highlight of the trip—coaching by Chef Valter to learn his spinach lasagna and his cannoli recipes.