Maria is a chef instructor currently working with Commercial Cookery, Patisserie and EAL students at Melbourne Polytechnic. Having worked in the commercial cookery and patisserie fields for over 15 years, she has developed her skills and abilities within an industry that is constantly changing and adapting to tastes, cultures and people.
She brings her Portuguese flair to everything she does having learned the art from both professional chefs and her family over the years. Maria believes a hands on approach is best, and showing rather than telling always gets the best results. The ethos in all of Maria's classes is that learning should be a nurturing process.
Maria has been teaching students at Melbourne Polytechnic since 2010. In that time she has focused on engaging her students in practical and fun ways, to not only teach the required skills but share her passion for cooking and all things food-related. Maria is passionate about not only passing on her skills but the art of making the perfect dish, and engaging with students who are eager to learn.
Maria completed her Certificate III in both Commercial Cookery and Patisserie in 2005 and 2006 respectively and has been involved in the industry ever since. During her time as an apprentice she won the AHA Daryl Cox competition for The RACV Club in 2003 for Best Dessert as well as the Vic TAFE Apprentice Cookery Challenge 2003 with the team from Melbourne Polytechnic.