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

fred-cesarano

Fred Cesarano, 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.

Allison Rivera

Allison Rivera, Admissions Representative

Hometown:Queens, New York
 
Working at ICE since: 2025 
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE:Helping students pursue their passion and all of the possibilities that come from completing our programs.
 
Best thing I ever ate: My families cooking, especially my mother's arroz con gandules and alcapurrias.

Ryan Gamble

Ryan Gamble, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Iowa City, Iowa

Working at ICE since: 2024

Favorite thing about working at ICE: The family share table.
 
Best thing I ever ate: anything from 'Stella' in Iowa City.

sarah-harvey

Sarah Harvey, Assistant Director of Admissions

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!

adrianne-russell

Adrianne Russell, Senior 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. 

Derrick Tiwari, Assistant Director of Admissions, looks at the camera in front of a tan wall.

Derrick Tiwari, Assistant Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Brooklyn, New York

Working at ICE since: 2024

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Helping prospective students live their dreams and achieve their goals.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Tikka masala chicken and naan.

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.

Donna Rose

Donna Rose, Guest Relations Representative

Hometown:​ Brooklyn, NY

Working at ICE since: 2023

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Everything! It's such a unique environment where learning and creativity happen every day. Food has a way of bringing people together, and here I get to see it in action every day. I love being part of a place that mixes education, passion and community and where I can contribute to an experience that's both fun and meaningful.
 
Best thing I ever ate: I must preface this by saying my mother's cooking is the best, but the Braised Oxtails from Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi is very high on my 'Best Meals Ever' list!

Lisa Sahimi

Lisa Sahimi, Associate Director of Admissions Support

Hometown:​ New York, NY

Working at ICE since: 2023

Favorite thing about working at ICE: There's nothing more fulfilling than watching our students' confidence soar as they master new techniques and discover their unique voice in the culinary arts. Seeing their passion deepen and evolve is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It's equally rewarding to see my own contributions help shape their journey and add meaningful value to their growth.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Sushi.

Carleigh Dilley

Carleigh Dilley, Admissions Support Representative

Hometown:​ Houston, Texas

Working at ICE since: 2025

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Meeting hardworking and passionate students that are working towards achieving their dreams. The amazing food is also a big plus!
 
Best thing I ever ate: I'd have to say Tex-Mex food. I eat it every time I go back home to Texas!

Our Los Angeles and Online Programs Admissions Team

Gabriela Arzate, Regional Director of Admissions for the Institute of Culinary Education

Gabriela Arzate, Regional 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

Stephanie Asavapibhop

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

James Bowman

James Bowman, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ San Francisco, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Having the opportunity to help people pursue their passion
 
Best thing you ever ate: 40-hour braised short rib with yam puree

Stephanie Contreras

Stephanie Contreras, Customer Service Representative

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

Karina Ebanks, Admissions Support Coordinator

Karina Ebanks, Admissions Support Coordinator

Hometown:​ Pasadena, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: The school's diverse environment and being able to try a variety of dishes made by our students!
 
Best thing you ever ate: Grilled yellowtail collar and sashimi

Yvonne Gutierrez

Yvonne Gutierrez, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Pasadena, CA
 
Working at ICE since: 2024
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Getting to see the students light up after learning a new skill or recipe
 
Best thing you ever ate: My mother's mexican mole

Jeff Haines

Jeff Haines, Assistant Director of Admissions

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

Miriam Martinez

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!! 

Tammy Polanco

Tammy Polanco, Associate 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!! 
 

Brandon Stevens

Brandon Stevens, Associate Director of Admissions

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

Juan Tabanera

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.