Maria Cooper

Experience

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  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

  Jan 2002 - Dec 2002

  Intern

  Assisted milieu therapists and nurses in observing and interacting with patients

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  Mon Yough Community Services

  Jan 2003 - Nov 2003

  Drug and Alcohol Counselor & Education Specialist

  Provided re-entry support to 18-25 year-old ex-offendersPerformed drug and alcohol counseling, assessments, and referralsWorked closely with clients on their educational and vocational goalsAssisted clients in resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and job searchingNetworked with and made referrals to labor unions, adult basic education and literacy providers, public assistance aid, potential employers, and higher-education institutionsPrepared and facilitated substance abuse, job readiness, and time-management discussion groups Show less

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  Q's Restaurant

  Jan 2005 - May 2005

  Line Cook/Intern at the Hotel Boulderado

  • Worked on the stations of sauté, salads, and dessert production for breakfast and lunch.• Prepared “from-scratch” items, including soups, sauces and dressings.• Interned with the pastry chef, executive chef, and learned the basics of high-volume high-end restaurant food production.

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  Anjou, an Organic Juice Bar (Café Zesta)

  Jan 2006 - Dec 2007

  Executive Chef

  • Supervised and organized food production for a local zero-waste organic food and juice bar.• Organized offsite commissary kitchen to prepare take-away foods, including organic wraps, sandwiches, salads and soups.• Created menus and trained kitchen staff.• Responsible for food budget, inventory control and ordering.Responsible for food budget, inventory control, and ordering

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  Chef Maria Cooper

  Jan 2007 - now

  • Author-in-Progress, “Heartful Kitchen: A Cookbook for Every Body” featuring healthy, delicious protein and vegetable-based diets.• Designed creative, playful website highlighting seasonal recipes, an informative blog, cooking tips and simple affordable solutions for healthy cooking options. • Managed all areas of Chef Maria Cooper Catering. Customized menu and pricing options for private meals, intimate meals, corporate and special events. Ordered all inventory and necessary rentals; hired staff. • Created healthy, take-away meals and baked goods for individuals and families with special dietary needs including gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo and dairy-free diets. Show less

  • Owner, Chef Maria Cooper

    Jan 2018 - now

  • Caterer and Private Chef

    Jan 2007 - now
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  Harvest Company of Natural Goods

  Nov 2008 - Aug 2009

  Executive Chef/Consultant

  • Assisted in creating functional kitchen space and designing a breakfast, lunch, dinner and bar menu for new high-volume full-service restaurant.• Implemented inventory systems, standardized recipes, and policies and procedures.• Created customer recipe books with a designer exclusively for Harvest Restaurant.• Trained kitchen staff of 5 Spanish-speaking people to prepare made-from-scratch menu items.• Planned and prepared daily specials of international cuisine, baked goods and set-menu items.• Led a team of kitchen staff during breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts. Show less

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  Natural Solutions Magazine

  Feb 2009 - Feb 2009

  Contributing Writer

  • Contributed cholesterol-lowering diet recipes, February 2009.

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  Highland City Club

  Jun 2010 - now

  Executive Chef

  • Creates and executes high-end daily lunch and special event menus for 200+-members of Boulder’s Highland City Club and guests.• Designs unique and creative healthy protein and vegetable-focused cuisine. Hires, trains, motivates, manages and inspires kitchen staff. • Responsible for all ordering and inventory for kitchen operations including daily service and special events.

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  Boulder Lifestyle Magazine

  May 2015 - May 2015

  Featured Chef

  • International Flavor with Chef Maria Cooper – Three Ways with Balinese Lamb