Biography

The Earthrise Retreat Center Kitchen at IONS is led by Trecey (birth name Betty) Chittenden. Trecey grew up in New Hampshire with parents who valued alternative living. They had only a wood-burning cook stove (no gas or electric stove). As one of seven children she learned to cook at an early age. She had many friends whose parents were macrobiotic or vegan or vegetarian and she remembers many amazing meals at their homes; she was inspired to bring some of the delicious food she experienced at their homes into her own home. She attended a Waldorf High School and became the assistant chef in her high school. Food became a central theme again when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She had to re-align herself around eating balanced meals. She then attended the Culinary Academy and worked in numerous restaurants. She has also cooked for several parent/youth camps in Utah.

Cooking at IONS wraps up many of Trecey’s life experiences and talents (tarot, massage, baking, cooking, and spiritual care giving) into a magical package. Remarking that she "loves the vibe of the land," Trecey says that when she gets here for each work day she knows it is the "right place to be." She finds the kitchen crew to be "an amazing group of people, who have a really good time when they get together and cook." Trecey brings her gift of leadership into taking care of all aspects of kitchen management so that her crew can not only have a joyful time preparing food for Retreat Center guests, but also run like a well-oiled machine. She values spontaneity and joy and brings an intention to create food that tastes good and looks beautiful.