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Our Chefs

A page within Kids' Culinary Academy

Rob Hanson, Senior Executive Chef

Rob is the Senior Executive Chef at UW-La Crosse. Born and raised in Sparta, Rob managed a local restaurant early in his career. He decided he loved cooking and chose to pursue his culinary dreams. He attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After culinary school, Rob returned to La Crosse and worked at several local restaurants including Huck Finns, Culina Mariana, Café Lola and The Waterfront. Rob found his niche here at UW-La Crosse, from catering and fine dining to working with students and teaching them how to cook. He is a founding member of the Kids’ Culinary Camp at UW-La Crosse and enjoys having new students in his kitchen each year.

Jess Harke, Registered Dietitian

Jess Harke is the Registered Dietitian for UW-La Crosse Dining Services. She attended Viterbo University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Community-Medical Dietetics. Previously, she worked as a dietitian in a grocery store, where she gave presentations, promoted healthy eating and taught cooking classes to a variety of ages. At UW-La Crosse, Jess works with college students to teach them how to maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes both salads and pizza, as well as assisting students with food allergies as they navigate the dining hall. She enjoys teaching kids the importance of healthy eating and how all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. 

Meet Our Chefs

KJ Krzyzanoski-Gel

KJ Krzyzanowski is the Youth Program Specialist in Graduate & Extended Learning and the self-appointed “Gordon Ramsay of GEL.” His background of over 10 years of direct youth work includes designing and leading programs that provide creative, fun, and inclusive ways for young people to learn about food. His programs always incorporate youth voice and creating a space where young people can share their own skills and knowledge. Past projects with youth include building a Hot Sauce Garden from seed to bottle, weekly Cooking Club meals, a global cultures cooking club, and a Friday night Pizza Farm in the city run by youth. KJ’s philosophy is that young people grow into their best self by collaborating with positive adults and other youth in experiences that challenge and excite them. He also lives by the saying “If you bring food, they will come.”

Rob HansonRob Hanson is the Senior Executive Chef at UW-La Crosse. Born and raised in Sparta, Rob managed a local restaurant early in his career. He decided he loved cooking and chose to pursue his culinary dreams. He attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After culinary school, Rob returned to La Crosse and worked at several local restaurants including Huck Finns, Culina Mariana, Café Lola and The Waterfront. Rob found his niche here at UW-La Crosse, from catering and fine dining to working with students and teaching them how to cook. He is a founding member of the Kids’ Culinary Camp at UW-La Crosse and enjoys having new students in his kitchen each year.

Mike RaymondMike Raymond is one of the Sous Chefs at UW-La Crosse. He has been in the food service business for over 30 years. Mike graduated from Saint Paul AVTI. He has worked in every facet of the industry including running a catering company, acting as director of catering for Viterbo University, managing kitchens for local restaurants, decorating cakes at a bakery and so much more. Mike loves the food business and learning and teaching new techniques to others. He considers food to be an art form and enjoy being able to be creative and artistic.

Jess Harke

Jess Harke is the Registered Dietitian for UW-La Crosse Dining Services. She attended Viterbo University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Community-Medical Dietetics. Previously, she worked as a dietitian in a grocery store, where she gave presentations, promoted healthy eating and taught cooking classes to a variety of ages. At UW-La Crosse, Jess works with college students to teach them how to maintain a balanced lifestyle that includes both salads and pizza, as well as assisting students with food allergies as they navigate the dining hall. She enjoys teaching kids the importance of healthy eating and how all foods can be enjoyed in moderation.