As a teen, Donna went to Vocational Schools for Culinary Arts. She fell in love with the entire process of food prep, service, ordering and creativity. She went to Akron University, but found she was learning more on the job, so she ended her formal training and became a student of On the Job Training.

Donna’s career has taken her on a very diverse path. From working in such venues as off sight high end catering, private and open country clubs as well as fine dining restaurants - of which she has owned several - all with national acclaim. Spotted by a member of the legendary James Beard Foundation, she was invited to cook at the Foundation in 1997 and 2003.

Many national magazines have featured Donna’s restaurants, such as Bon Appetite, Food and Wine, Food Arts, Restaurant Hospitality and numerous local magazines and newspapers. Cleveland Magazine recognized Donna as “one of the most interesting people of 2000,” and Bon Appetite called her one of Cleveland’s “Hip Young Chefs”.

Donna’s career has evolved to include food styling, where her work has been featured in magazines, on food packaging and in conjunction with a popular program on TV’s Food Network. Some of her most recent clients have been Certified Angus Beef, Nestle, Athens Foods and Travel Centers of America, as well as numerous other food and non-food companies.

Donna’s work with food has allowed her to display her strengths in artistic presentations, innovative styles and experimentation with the exotic flavors and textures of other cultures. With this knowledge she has joined the teaching team at ICASI, International Culinary Arts & Science Institute, founded by Loretta Paganini, Donna teaches an array of classes from meat and fish preparation to International and American Regional Cuisine.

Currently, Donna owns Dish deli & catering, with long-time colleague Laura Powell and new partner Jim Schoen. Dish deli is located in the heart of Tremont, a near-west side neighborhood of Cleveland. The deli specializes in “restaurant quality food with neighborhood pricing.” Dish has been featured in Cleveland Magazine for serving the best Turkey Meatloaf in their “Comfort Food 2007” edition. Donna and her team offer catering for every occasion, from office lunches and weddings to everything between. Dish specializes in customizing event details so catering can be affordable to all no matter what the budget, venue or special needs may be.