Chef of The Hill

CHEF JAMES P. SINOPOLI, CEPC

Certified Chef at the Executive Level - Former Pastry Chef for The Blair House and the White House's Official Guest House

James P. Sinopoli is a Certified Chef at the Executive level with the American Culinary Federation. Chef Sinopoli trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where he graduated with honors.

Chef Sinopoli has taught culinary arts at local colleges for over 7 years. Chef Sinopoli has also taught coursework in Europe, as well as serving as visiting chef at The Castle Leslie in Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland.

Chef Sinopoli served from 2003-2005 as Pastry Chef for The Blair House, the White House's official guest house, hosting international leaders and dignitaries. He currently is a Chef Instructor at Stratford University, teaching coursework in introduction to hot foods, sanitation and food safety, as well as baking and pastry arts.

BAKING & PASTRY CHEF CHARLEEN HUEBNER

Baking and Pastry Program Coordinator/ Senior Chef Instructor Former Executive Chef at Splendid Fare Catering Company

Chef Charleen Huebner is originally from Smithtown, New York. She graduated from Long Island University at C.P. Post with a B.A. in Foreign Language. In 1993 she earned an A.O.S. degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America and returned the same year to obtain a degree in Baking and Pastry.

Upon graduation she went to work for the Frenchman’s Reef Hotel in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. After returning to the States, Chef Huebner moved to Washington D.C. where she worked for Didier Schoner at Café/Patisserie Didier in Georgetown.

In 1995, Chef Huebner went to work for the Ritz Carlton at Pentagon City, working various positions from Garde Manger to Pastry for 6 years. After that she was Executive Chef at a Splendid Fare Catering Company.

Chef Huebner joined forces with her classmate Chef James Sinopoli in a joint venture called Chef of the Hill, a boutique caterer/ personal chef business. Also, she worked at the Blair House which serves as the White House guest quarters.

Chef Huebner is a member of Women for Women International, an organization that helps women survivors of war move from crisis and poverty to self-sufficiency. Chef Huebner has been with Stratford University for the past 5 years.

JOE CACCIOLA, CHEF INSTRUCTOR

Former Head Chef at Clearwaters and Executive Chef at Balducci's

Chef Cacciola, a native of New England, was influenced by his Mother, Father, and various Italian Aunts and Uncles, to have a deep appreciation of great food. He spent much of his youth cooking for friends and family alike.

Chef Cacciola attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence RI. He graduated in 1993 Magna cum Laude, and was a member of the silver key honor society. After graduating school he worked his way from Sous Chef to Head Chef at Clearwaters Restaurant in Connecticut.

After Clearwaters, Chef Cacciola joined Hay Day Markets/ Balducci’s in Westport CT as the Executive Chef, After spending some time in that position, Joe was promoted to Store Manager. He made his way down to Virginia in 2002 and moved to the corporate side of the company, where he became the company Purchasing Agent.

Chef Cacciola has been at Stratford University since January of 2007. Joe lives in Virginia with his wife Julie, and daughter Nina. He still likes to spend time cooking for friends and family.