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The Spruce Catering Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Meet the dedicated team behind Diversity Food Services! Our passionate professionals bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, ensuring that we provide exceptional service and delicious offerings. From our talented chefs to our attentive staff, each member plays a vital role in delivering a diverse culinary experience meets the needs of our clients. Together, we strive to celebrate diversity and foster a community through food.

CEO / Culinary Director
Jessica Young
Meet Chef Jessica Young, our CEO and Culinary Director. With a unique blend of culinary expertise and a passion for sustainability, Jessica creates menus that honor the seasonal bounty of Manitoba while fostering stronger food systems. Her commitment to local farmers and producers shines in every dish. A Bronze medalist in Canada's Great Kitchen Party, she has also showcased her in events like Table for 1200 and RAW:almond, as well as the Prairie Grid Culinary Tour.

Executive Director of Operations
Melanie Gerodias - Mitchell
Melanie embodies a people-first approach to hospitality and operations. With a strong focus on excellence, accountability, and meaningful guest experiences, she leads her teams with intention and care. Believing that service starts from within, she prioritizes supporting staff, building robust systems, and fostering where both people and food can thrive. As hospitality leader Guidara says, “Service is not about the transaction It’s about how you make people feel.” This philosophy is at the heart of Melanie’s leadership and the culture she nurtures day.

Executive Director of Finance
Pamela Kirkpatrick
Pamela brings a unique blend of precision and entrepreneurial insight to Diversity Food Services’ financial strategy. With her experience as the former owner of Cakeology, she provides valuable guidance grounded in real-world leadership. Pamela is instrumental in developing robust financial systems and processes that promote long-term sustainability, responsible growth and meaningful job creation. Her keen attention to detail ensures our financial framework supports current operations while positioning us for impact and the ability to reinvest in community-focused initiatives and our team.

Head Catering Chef
Chef Phil Comia
With a passion for flavor and an eye for detail, Chef Phil elevates every dining experience. His innovative approach to culinary art shines in beautifully plated dinners, imaginative food stations, and exquisite canapés. Trust his expertise to make your event unforgettable, where every bite is a celebration of taste and creativity.

General Manager of Spruce Catering
Cristina Ortega
Cristina Ortega serves as the General Manager Catering and Events at Spruce Catering. With a strong commitment to exceptional customer service, she passionately leads our catering operations. Cristina is responsible for from meticulous planning and logistics to that each event embodies the high standards and values uphold at Spruce Catering. Her expertise ensures that every detail is with care and precision.

Event Sales & Service Manager
Purav Patel
From the first consultation to the final toast, Purav is dedicated to enhancing our clients' experiences. With WSET Level 2 certification and a passion for mixology, he crafts tailored beverage programs each event. Inspired by Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality," he goes by the book to ensure occasion is personalized, beautifully executed, and stress-free for our clients.

