My name is Kitty Belsly and I have been teaching Family and Consumer Sciences since 1995. I began my college education at Illinois State University where I received my undergraduate degree in FCS secondary education. I then pursued and received my master’s degree from St. Xavier’s University in education in May of 2002. I also hold a National Board for Professional Teaching certificate, as well as a Type 75 Administration certification from Bradley University. I have taken several culinary classes at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, as well as at Kendall Culinary College in Chicago, Illinois. I have taught at other secondary schools in Illinois and Arizona before becoming a “Rocket” in January of 1999. During my teaching experience at Limestone I have restructured the Foods I, Foods II, Food Service I and Food Service II culinary programs. Students are interested more than ever in pursuing the culinary arts as a possible career and/or hobby. I am proud to say that I have had several students successfully attend culinary school after high school, and establish themselves in the food industry. I strive to bring hands on experiences into the classroom whenever possible, and provide a rich learning environment for the students to express their creativity and develop their talents. I also stress to the students that the culinary arts is so much more than just cooking. It is about the science behind the ingredients, the beautiful presentation, the effects of flavor infusion, and the passion behind the person! I have also recently re-structured the Inter-Related Cooperative Education program, and I look forward to helping seniors master their soft and technical skills. I strongly believe that my curriculum and teachings with follow my students wherever they go. They will walk away from my classes with an extraordinary level of knowledge which can only benefit them and their future lives.