Our Team,

Culinary Angels
Founder

Lisa McNaney – Founder

Lisa’s founding of Culinary Angels grew out of both personal and family members’ experiences with cancer. She has always been a passionate cook who wholeheartedly believes that organic, nutritious foods can fortify a person’s body, especially during a difficult health challenge. As a cancer survivor, Lisa became intimately aware of the value that proper nutrition plays in fighting cancer. She wholeheartedly believes that “food is medicine.”

“Culinary Angels was created to not only provide hope, health, and wellness but also the opportunity to exemplify nutritional education to its recipients. Our service visually represents a healthy, healing meal, as well as providing critical ingredients that promote fortification at a time in a person’s life where they can experience the benefits,“ she says.

Lisa has been a part of many community efforts involving health awareness, education, meals, and cooking practices for the past 15 years. As she has so beautifully stated, “Our community of volunteers and donors fuels the heart of Culinary Angels, and together we nourish our neighbors in need.”

Team Members

Maureen Tiongco
Maureen Tiongco (Chief Operations Officer)

From a very young age, I have witnessed how cancer has severely impacted my loved ones. I joined Culinary Angels because they provide nutritional support through delivered meals and nutrition education. Most importantly, they provide hope. My goal is that those impacted by cancer will be connected and uplifted with the services and care we all deserve.

Maureen worked several years in Finance and Operational Accounting in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. She has served in various capacities at nonprofits that serve marginalized communities including domestic violence survivors and persons facing homelessness. Positions held include Contracts & Finance Manager and CFO. She has fundraised for various causes including cures for Leukemia, Multiple Sclerosis and Juvenile Diabetes.

Lynn Buskard ( Delivery Lead)

I have found not only a fulfilling way to spend my time but also a sense of community and purpose. Culinary Angels has provided me with an opportunity to make a tangible difference, one meal at a time, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Setal Desai (Dietitian)

Being part of Culinary Angels has allowed me to demonstrate how food IS medicine through the lens of culinary nutrition.

Leslie Pickett (Farmers Market Coordinator)

My ability to have purpose and provide value was key when I sought a place to volunteer. I found that and my heart is full of pride in all we do for cancer patients.

Kathy Norman (Grant Coordinator)

Good nutrition is so important to health, wellness, and recovery from illness. I am passionate about people taking the best possible care of themselves especially during cancer treatment.

Ronnie De Supinski (Grant Coordinator)

After retirement I joined Culinary Angels to put my fundraising skills and background to good use for a local organization with a compelling mission and dedicated, caring people.

Angela Zellmer (Human Resources, Finance)

I quickly became devoted to Culinary Angel’s mission and passionate leadership after being recruited by the Board Chair. It’s an honor to be a part of Culinary Angels.

Julia Emrich (Outreach)

I truly believe in the philosophy “Food is Medicine” and am happy to be part of an organization that supports that! It feels so good to help people with our meals!

Zoe Russ (Recipient Care)

As the first point of contact for new recipients, I strive to inspire hope along their cancer healing journey, utilizing the power of nutrient-dense, delicious food that is always made with love.

Cathy Griggs (Volunteer Coordinator)

When I retired from teaching I was looking for a way to pay it forward. A friend invited me to join her in the kitchen and I was hooked.

Nora Hart (Recipient Care)

I joined Culinary Angels as I believe a healthy diet is essential in a cancer patient’s journey to heal. The food we provides falls in line with this belief.

Valerie Fang (Delivery Lead)

I joined Culinary Angels as a way to spend meaningful time with my son, but I was so inspired by its mission that I continued to volunteer even after he graduated!

Claudia Castillo Holley (Chef)

Returning to Culinary Angels feels like a meaningful homecoming, as I originally helped grow its food program. As a holistic chef and wellness practitioner, I believe nourishment is an expression of love, care, and connection, especially during health challenges. I’m honored to support a mission that brings comfort, healing, and hope through food.

Liren Baker
Liren Baker (Social Media/Marketing)

The Culinary Angels mission holds a special place in my heart, especially after witnessing my mother, father, and sister each battle cancer. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in the kitchen and behind the scenes on social media, and it’s been a meaningful way for me to use my background in both the culinary arts and food media.

Christopher Grimes
Christopher Grimes (Facilities Maintenance Specialist)

I am proud to be part of this amazing organization. The Pride and Love that go into every meal we produce is simply extraordinary. The team of dedicated volunteers and staff is like nothing I have ever seen before.

Paula Campbell
Paula Campbell (Marketing/Community Outreach)

Inspired by my family’s cancer journey, I’m proud to support Culinary Angels’ mission to nourish those facing a cancer challenge alongside our extraordinary volunteers, staff and community supporters.