Prior to choosing to spend my days in a kitchen, I spent 6 years as a freelance creative producer. I worked with brands and agencies, often managing teams of designers and copywriters and helping clients reach their full creative potentials. I would moonlight as a journalist and on-camera reporter, working with publications and news stations covering anything from the arts to sports. 

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My culinary passion truly began when I responded to an on-camera talent role for Conde Nast's Epicurious. I was featured as a "home chef", but during that time I felt myself falling in love with the art of cooking. In September 2020 I applied to be a student at the Institute of Culinary Education to earn a certificate in their Health Supportive program (formerly Natural Gourmet Institute aka hippie vegan cooking school). 

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 As I've grown into the culinary industry I feel that my upbringing was a big part of my passion for feeding people. I grew up in a rural town in Central Pennsylvania surrounded by woodlands, forests, and farms. This has largely inspired me to look toward utilizing local resources for ingredients, as well as a large appreciation for the agricultural industry.

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In addition to my surroundings, I attribute a lot of my interest in the kitchen to my family, especially my grandparents. From canning, to bread baking, to cooking traditional Slovak/Lithuanian meals, there was a lot of time gathered around the table. 

I’m so honoured to be named the winner of Season 3 of Next Level Chef. I’m beyond excited to be able to be mentored by one of the greats-Chef Gordon Ramsey. I’m also excited to be able to share more of my story on Bite’s New Series-Gabi’s Next Course.

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