The ICE Los Angeles Admissions team

Meet the ICE Admissions Team

Your ICE Admissions representative is your first introduction to the ICE community, and one of your greatest assets in planning your future in culinary arts.

Whether you're planning your new career or first career, you'll be matched with the ICE Admissions Representative that best understands your background and needs. They're your advisor and guide, helping you determine which path is best for your aspirations and the steps to take to get there.

 

Our New York Admissions Team

orlando-mangual

Orlando Mangual, Director of Admissions

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ICE: The dedication everyone has to helping students succeed
 
Best thing I ever ate: Rice and beans, and steak

samantha-barr

Samantha Barr, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Brooklyn, New York

Working at ICE since: 2021

Favorite thing about working at ICE: I’m a food nerd! I love being able to talk about all things food, beverage and restaurants. I am constantly looking up new spots to eat at…if you have recommendations send them my way!

Best thing I ever ate: Ajo blanco soup in Mexico and traditional gumbo from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans

sebastian-boyd

Sebastian Boyd, Admissions Representative

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
 
Working at ICE since: 2022 
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Seeing the students in class pursuing their dreams with smiles on their faces and enjoying every moment
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maryland crab cakes

fred-cesarano

Fred Cesarano, Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ New York, New York

Working at ICE since: 1998

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Meeting graduates 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Growing up on the Upper East Side, I have enjoyed the best tasting cheesecake in local bakeries and the best fettuccini Alfredo from top restaurants in New York City. You can say I'm spoiled. When dinning anywhere outside of the city, I truly miss the NYC experience.

john-davis

John Davis, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown: Newark, New Jersey

Working at ICE since: 2020

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Working with such a dedicated team devoted to making this school GREAT!

Best thing I ever ate: Filet mignon

jock-grundy

Jock Grundy, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown: New York, New York

Working at ICE since: 2015

Favorite thing about working at ICE: We make people’s dreams come true!

Best thing I ever ate: Sea urchin pasta with white truffles at Masa

sarah-harvey

Sarah Harvey, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Fred Cesarano’s jokes
 
Best thing I ever ate: Steak, steak and steak

joe-munoz

Joe Munoz III, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Carrollton, Texas

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite things about working at ICE: The privilege to work with students of all ages and backgrounds, united in taking the brave step to follow their interests, the creativity that results from such a diverse student body and the chance to sample delicious fine cuisine daily

Best thing I ever ate: Ask me on different days and you are sure to get different answers, but the experience that springs to mind is Capital City Bakery in Austin, Texas — a 100% vegan bakery with delicious treats!

amy-rankin

Amy Rankin, Associate Director of Admissions Support

Hometown:​ Jamestown, Pennsylvania 

Working at ICE since: 2016

Favorite thing about working at ICE: I have a huge passion for education so getting to help others pursue their career is amazing. I also love working with all of the staff here at ICE. 
 
Best thing I ever ate: It’s hard to pick just one thing. I am a big sweets person but I love anything Italian. 
 

margarita-rivera

Margarita Rivera, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Queens, New York

Working at ICE since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ICE: When I first meet the students, seeing how excited they are in pursuing their dreams and how proud they are of the food they make in their classes
 
Best thing I ever ate: Grilled octopus at the Greek Grill in Howard Beach, New York — so good!

adrianne-russell

Adrianne Russell, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Houston, Texas

Working at ICE since: 2020

Favorite thing about working at ICE: It’s so rewarding to work with students who are excited about their future and have an undeniable passion for this industry! 

Best thing I ever ate: There is no way I could even begin to answer this! My favorite food is Vietnamese, but that’s about as specific as I can get. 

ron-toomer

Ron Toomer, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Queens, New York

Working at ICE since: 2014

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Working with students who are excited about starting their careers in the industry, also seeing them evolve throughout the year
 
Best thing I ever ate: Everything is always good! 

adam-truelove

Adam Truelove, Assistant Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Waterbury, Connecticut

Working at ICE since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ICE: The admissions team makes things fun on a daily basis.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maccheroni alla chitarra with sea urchin and crab meat

Michael Stewart is a Senior Admissions Representative at ICE

Michael Stewart, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Getting the opportunity to not only learn but also taste different foods I thought I would never try, only to realize how great they are, immediately making me frustrated on how long I’ve been missing out on them
 
Best thing I ever ate: Mom’s jerk ribs

Our Los Angeles and Online Programs Admissions Team

Gabriela Arzate

Gabriela Arzate, Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Los Angeles, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2020
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: The energy and enthusiasm of the staff, faculty and students at ICE!
 
Best thing you ever ate: Mole Chilaquiles

Tammy Polanco

Tammy Polanco, Assistant Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ San Diego, CA 
 
Working at ICE since: 2018
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: The culture at ICE and everything it stands for!

Best thing you ever ate: Ogorkowa
 

Melissa Rentas

Melissa Rentas, Assistant Director Of Admissions

Hometown:​ La Puente, California 
 
Working at ICE since: 2019
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: It’s one of the top schools in the nation…I love that I’m a part of that.

Best thing you ever ate: EVERYTHING at Laduree in Paris!! 
 

Jeff Haines works on the admissions team at the Institute of Culinary Education

Jeff Haines, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Orange County, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2017
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: As a Culinary School graduate myself, I like the full circle element of being able to help prospective students with the process of following their true passion. As well as the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made. 
 
Best thing you ever ate: Brown Sugar Butter Cake, created by my Pastry Chef mentor, Chef Maren

Brent Dyson, Senior Admissions Representative

Brent Dyson, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Working at ICE since: 2023

Favorite thing about working at ICE: I like the environment and that everyone is so helpful and friendly.

Best thing you ever ate: My grandmother’s fried chicken
 

Brandon Stevens, Admissions Representative

Brandon Stevens, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Birmingham, Alabama
 
Working at ICE since: 2020
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: I enjoy helping students make their dreams a reality.
 
Best thing you ever ate: Cornbread at Manuela’s

Miriam Martinez, Admissions Representative

Miriam Martinez, Admissions Representative

Hometown: ​Whittier, CA    
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: I love food and enjoy seeing our students grow as they hone their skills.
 
Best thing you ever ate: All of my mom’s cooking, best Mexican food ever!! 

Juan Tabanera, Admissions Representative

Juan Tabanera, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ North Hollywood, CA 
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: I enjoy helping others figure out their path to a fulfilling future. 
 
Best thing you ever ate: Chinese Pan fried Noodles at various locations in Downtown Los Angeles. 

Stephanie Contreras, Receptionist

Stephanie Contreras, Receptionist

Hometown:​ Duarte, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2019
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Meeting the students and getting to hear about their passion when they start school and their journey throughout the process  
 
Best thing you ever ate: Prime Rib at Lawry’s

Stephanie Asavapibhop, Admissions Support Coordinator

Stephanie Asavapibhop, Admissions Support Coordinator

Hometown:​ Arleta, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: The people I work with and the students I meet
 
Best thing you ever ate: Mangosteen Fruit from Thailand

Admissions Support Coordinator Leslie Jimenez

Leslie Jimenez, Admissions Support Coordinator

Hometown:​ Los Angeles, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: The staff is very welcoming and helpful. It is very motivating to see the staff and students enthusiastic about pursuing their passion. 
 
Best thing you ever ate: The best food I’ve tried is a risotto with scallops.