Meet Our Bakers

The bakers at Wagster Treats received hands-on training with Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, a nonprofit program for low-income and homeless adults operated by Homeward Bound of Marin.

MEET ANALILIA

Analilia leads baking at Wagster Treats with a can-do attitude and determination. She not only moves trays in and out of the oven smoothly in a crowded kitchen, but also produces the dough and cares for the production machines.

Like all our bakers, Analilia built strong skills in a 10-week culinary training program that shares space in the Wagster Treats kitchen. Her graduation came just before the onset of COVID-19, which closed much of the restaurant world. Now that she's employed full-time with Wagster, Analilia says she has begun saving and thinking more about the future with her 3-year-old son.

"I'm very proud of what I have accomplished. You have to make things happen for yourself," she says. Along with growing her income, Wagster has helped Analilia overcome a fear of dogs that stemmed from a childhood accident. "I've met some very nice pets at Wagster," she adds.

MEET AUSTIN

Austin is another member of our dog-loving team at Wagster Treats. He joined Wagster in 2023, after experiencing some rough months without housing.

He signed up for training knowing it would push him outside his comfort zone. “I absolutely didn't think I could do it at first," he says. Support from the chef instructor and staff helped him feel more relaxed, focus on the daily learning and graduate. "I'm so thankful for it. I got to learn a skill that I'll have for the rest of my life," Austin says.

Fresh Starts Culinary Academy also gave him a range of culinary techniques and ServSafe Manager certification, a national benchmark for food service and hygiene knowledge. With his adaptable skills, Austin helps keep production moving smoothly by mixing dough or baking as needed. He also joins in preparing meals as needed for shelter and housing programs adjacent to the Wagster kitchen.