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
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
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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.