Ask anyone who knows Julie Foster and they will tell you, “She can be found in the Kitchen”! Julie joined Havenwood Academy as the Executive Chef in November of 2018. Born and raised in Cedar City, Utah, her love and passion for the culinary arts began early on from humble beginnings as she was taught the basics of cooking and baking from her beloved Grandmothers. Upon entering the workforce at age 15, Julie began working in the food industry learning all positions and aspects of food and service. At the age of 24, while working on her associate’s degree from Dixie State College, she was offered a cooking position at The Meadows Retirement Facility in St. George. Within a few months, she was promoted to the Executive Chef position which lasted for ten years. During this time she was provided with an excellent opportunity to travel to Seattle Washington and work side by side with other outstanding Chefs to further her knowledge and expertise in the industry. Throughout a 34 year career, Julie has worked in four long-term care facilities and assisted living centers as the Executive Chef, and four years experience working at a treatment facility for youth, all in St. George, Utah. She is knowledgeable in hiring and training staff, purchasing, receiving, meal planning, production, and food safety regulations.
Julie lived in St. George, Utah for 27 years after graduating from High School. She is married, and has four beautiful daughters. She is also the Grandmother of three girls. In 2007, she moved back to Cedar City to be closer to her family. Julie enjoys the great outdoors, and the beautiful mountains of southern Utah. Her Hobbies include Hiking, Fishing, Gardening, Sewing, Writing Poetry, and she sings at weddings and funerals. Her Greatest passion in life has been her ability to cook delicious meals not only for those she serves in her work life, but also for her family and loved ones during holidays and family reunions. In the childhood memories of every good cook, there’s a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot, and a Mom! Julie loves her job working for Havenwood Academy and strives to be an inspiration to everyone and make a positive difference in their lives. She has become known as Grandma Julie, and she can be quoted as saying: THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS ALWAYS LOVE!
