When you think of one person who has warmed the hearts (and stomachs) of so many Calais students, administrators and staff, only one person comes to mind…

That would be Chef Al-Nisa Salaam. Respectfully known as “Chef”, she works tirelessly spreading her knowledge and love for the culinary arts to Calais students school-wide in so many ways. 

She came to Calais with an inspiring background — dual degrees in Culinary and Pastry Arts and work experience in some of the most prestigious venues: The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia and The Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner, Virginia. 

Today, through The Calais School Culinary Program, Chef is giving students hands-on experience in our industrial kitchen. Students are gaining valuable exposure to the hospitality and food industries. Chef is also serving up cooking and baking fundamentals but also life lessons in food safety and hygiene, meal planning and preparation, as well as nutrition and time management.  

She is beloved and celebrated throughout the school year, but especially during the holidays when she and her team of students prepare an epic Thanksgiving feast with the works! Starting weeks before the event, Chef goes above and beyond as she preps, plans and delivers a delicious multi-course Thanksgiving meal for approx. 200 people, including those with dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy free, vegan, kosher etc.).

Chef also inspires students to explore interests and careers in the culinary field with her infectious passion and creativity. Recently, she introduced the school to The Eddie,® The Edible Ink Printer, an automated digital printer that prints full-color photos and text directly onto food surfaces, replacing airbrushing and other manual tasks. Since then, many students learned how to work with the innovative Eddie technology to create professional-tier pastries and cookies for school events, including beautifully designed cookie favors for last year’s Gala. 

Also this year, Chef introduced “Free Rice” to Calais. Free Rice is a global fundraising initiative sponsored by the World Food Programme (WFP) in which students compete in a digital trivia game to learn while raising money to combat some of the most urgent international food crises.

Thank you, Chef, for all you do to enrich the lives of so many at Calais. 

“She’s an amazing chef with an amazing personality.” –Patty O, Calais, Calais Student 

“Chef, you are so deserving of this. You truly love what you do and seek to inspire the kids to love it too. You are making a huge impact on our kids and me as well. Thanks for teaching everyone with genuine passion! It’s inspiring! – Shetora Antoine, Calais Paraprofessional

“She encourages and engages the students to be their best selves. She is an important part of the Calais community.” – Michelle Geise, Calais Occupational Therapist

“Well done, Chef, congratulations! It’s always a pleasure to walk potential students, parents and case managers to your kitchen. You are always welcoming and warm as you take the time to engage with the group. Thank you for all you do for our students!” –Cheryl Porter-Avino, Director of Admissions

Daily positivity, passion for her craft, dedication to her students’ wellbeing and growth – she is a true Cougar in every sense!