Chef Martin brings his culinary expertise to the Lombard facility with finesses and grace. As the culinary genius behind the exquisite cuisine served at Adolescent Growth, Chef Martin takes pride in providing well balanced meals that appeal to both the eyes and to the palate. Chef Martin is committed to ensuring that the adolescents who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues are equipped with nutritional education/skills that will beneficially serve them upon discharge from the facility.

Chef Martin affirms that although he possesses the natural ability to cook well, he aimed to hone his skill by obtaining professional culinary training and experience. Chef Martin received his training and learned to cook and create a “meal experience” through sight, smell and taste. Occupationally, Chef Martin obtained experience working as an executive Chef for the Archdiocese of Chicago in Hyde Park and at the Catholic Theological Union. The wide array of knowledge for cooking Chef Martin possesses is impressive to say the least. When asked why he likes working at Adolescent Growth, Chef Martin responded, “There are many reasons why I love working here in this position. The most important one being the clients and being able to teach them (clients) how to cook and learn the benefits of eating healthy”.

When Martin is not making mouths water at the facility, he enjoys watching sports, taking walks and playing with his beloved puppy Nala. His passion for cooking remains on his off day as well because he also enjoys continuing to cook for his family at home too.