Meet The Team
Meet Meghan Bendish, Director of Dining Services
After receiving classical training from the French Culinary Institute, Meghan began her career as a line cook in New York City under restaurateur Todd English. Looking to expand her understanding of the business, Meghan ventured into catering and eventually managing restaurants. These experiences allowed her to hone her skills as a true hospitality professional.
Building on her passion for health and wellness, she earned a bachelor’s degree in holistic health and nutrition from UMass Amherst graduating summa cum laude. As her career evolved, Meghan accepted a private chef position for a local client. She was tasked with cooking health-minded family-favorite meals. During this time, she also learned extensively about alternative diets and specialty preparation for avoiding allergens. Using the essentials of high nutrient foods, she began crafting meals that kids love and parents feel good about. This experience acted as the perfect transition into school nutrition, and Meghan began working for Chartwells most recently as Director of Dining Services for Weston Public Schools.
Working in schools as the director of dining services has proved to be the perfect blend for Meghan as she enlists her cooking and hospitality experiences to ensure that students, their parents and school administration all feel well taken care of and excited about the Chartwells lunch program.
Maureen Genna, District Chef
Maureen is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Arts. Her passion for the Culinary industry led her to further her education to pursue a degree in Nutrition. Upon completion, Maureen entered the Culinary world as a business owner opening her own successful 58 seat Organic Cafe in New City, NY. Following this, she sold her Cafe and went on to serve 13 years with one of the leading corporations in the industry, Compass Group/ Chartwells Sector. In 2018, Maureen was asked to be the Executive Chef and partner in a 100 seat family owned successful Italian eatery called Joe and Joes Nyack, in Nyack, NY. Her new journey has proudly led her to be the District Chef of Darien’s amazing School District. Maureen looks forward to her future endeavors with the goal to grow and become part of Darien’s School District and beautiful community.
More information coming soon.
Make sure to check out our new Food Services Newsletter page to learn about upcoming events! Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram!
