Instructor Spotlight

To see upcoming classes, click here.

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Meet our Instructors:

Paul Tseng

Cooking and sharing what I have learned is my passion. Teaching a cooking class gives me a chance to share my knowledge about the differences and uniquenesses of foods that people overlook. I want to show people how to be respectful, creative and economical about food. To feel delighted when they learn an easy cooking technique using just a couple of simple fresh ingredients. The food is the real star, we are just the facilitators.

I want people to leave excited about food and cooking. It’s important to me, being a part of their food journey, and I feel grateful that they spend time with me.

Cooking from scratch should not be a chore, it should be satisfying. People should make it fun, not boring. Make it into a family memory or story or bring back a family tradition. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost a lot. I feel lucky to have a little stage to share my love of cooking with people and I enjoy seeing their confidence and knowledge grow. People keep coming back and that makes me want to keep giving back. I wish I had more time to do this.

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Mike Tomaloff

When I was younger, my interest in the culinary arts focused on fine dining and the “restaurant scene.” These days I am far more interested in the universality and accessibility of food and cooking rather than making those things exclusive or elite. One of the things that has inspired me in cooking for the Co-op is that the Co-op is for everyone. I want my classes to be for everyone, too, whether they’re experienced home cooks or brand new to cooking.

Demystifying the craft of cooking, highlighting the beauty in simplicity, and demonstrating techniques and methods that, I hope, will encourage folks to try something new, and to think outside the recipe. When you start experimenting with flavors and techniques you learn more than you ever would strictly following recipes.

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Mourning Dove

Mourning Dove has been guiding self love circles, inner connection workshops, classes, and private sessions through Surrender Within since 2017. She’s a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance, has completed trainings with Accessible Yoga School, and is certified in Vinyasa, Yoga for All, Emotional Freedom Reiki, and other healing modalities.

“Prioritizing self care and fostering a loving relationship with myself has transformed the way I navigate hardships in life, and I love creating nurturing spaces for others to do the same. I provide lots of options and encourage autonomy throughout each class, so you can honor your body and mind on your own unique journey. 

If you resonate with my offerings, I will put effort into making them accessible to you. Please reach out to communicate any barriers, accessibility needs, or ways I can make you feel more welcome and comfortable. I look forward to connecting and sharing space with you!♡”

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Katy Wallace, ND CNHP

Willy Street Co-op’s Exclusive Nutrition Consultant

Katy Wallace, ND CNHP is a Naturopathic Doctor and Certified Natural Health Professional specializing in helping people resolve their health problems by eating better. Katy has extensive training in functional medicine as well. Our Co-op offers individual consultation opportunities as well as free lectures on how to take full advantage of the variety of natural nourishing foods that the Co-op offers. See our events page for current offerings.

Learn more about Dr. Katy and her philosophy at Human Nature.

Katy Wallace, ND CNHP
Human Nature LLC
401 Bryce Canyon Circle, Madison, WI 53705
608-301-9961

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Vanessa Tortolano

Vanessa has been brewing kombucha for over 16 years and was a commercial brewer for 14. She now brews many fermented beverages at home and offers public and private consultation. In her spare time, she does stand-up and improv comedy, ferments, and grows things.

“I discovered it while working as a cashier at Willy Street Co-op,” she says. “People kept coming through my line with it and so I decided to taste it and, when I did, I noticed that I got a great boost of energy and was able to be more alert and awake without caffeine.”

When asked about her favorite part of teaching classes, Vanessa said:
“I love the discovery and enjoyment of the participants. I love sharing new information with people who are interested in learning new things.”

Click here to read Amanda Ikens’ 2022 interview of Vanessa.

Interested in teaching a class?

We sponsor events related to nutrition, sustainable agriculture, food preparation, and cooperative education. Classes are planned and scheduled on a quarterly timeline and instructors are either hired from internal staff or contracted with externally. If you’re interested in teaching a class, please contact the Education and Outreach Coordinator.