Our Team

Jessica Evans, owner of Fox Den Cooking School

Jess Evans, Owner & Chef

Owner and Chef of Foodie Fresh Meals, our local go-to company for all things healthy, prepared meals. Jess was raised in homes full of Mexican flavors from her Grandmother’s cooking and Gourmet Magazine-inspired dinner parties at her Father’s house. It’s no wonder she got into creating and owning a food business of her own. She is taking all she has learned and pouring herself into a new venture. She is so excited to take her teaching degree and passion for cooking and begin cooking classes for all ages. Whether it be weekly meal prep, cooking with kids, Date Night or a Ladies Night with ALL the wine, you’ll be able to spend some quality time with loved ones while learning some great tips and tricks.

Kayli Uchima, Chef

Kayli received their BAS in Culinary Arts from Robert Morris University, working in various restaurant kitchens in the Chicago suburbs before discovering a love of teaching at Sur la Table in 2015. Frequently drawing inspiration from their grandparents’ hometown of Honolulu, Kayli enjoys crafting fusion flavors with influences from all around the globe.

A childhood immersed in the world of homebrew, paired with a natural curiosity in the kitchen, has led Kayli to many experiments in fermentation and its culinary applications- from sourdoughs and ciders, to kombuchas and kimchis, and all things between! Kayli loves craft beer, dim sum, and road trips around the midwest to try new restaurants.

Kayli is a chef at Fox Den Cooking School

Ashley Keller, Chef & Bartender

Ashley is the owner of Weathered Ways Farm and CeCe’s Honey Bees in Geneva, IL.

In 2020, she wrote CeCe Saves The Planet, which teaches children about sustainable farming practices.

Her hobbies include reading, eating at as many local restaurants as she can find, and slinging drinks behind the bar at Fox Den Cooking School!

Mary Zupke, Chef

Mary is a registered dietician and mother. With her many years of experience as a dietician, mom and teacher of simple cooking techniques, she has been able to bring her love of food together with healthy eating. Mary is excited to help people learn how easy it is to cook delicious and healthy dishes all at the same time.

You can also find Mary at The Garden Plate.

Ashley Valinskas is a Chef at Fox Den Cooking School in St. Charles, Illinois

Ashley Valinskas, Chef

Ashley received her BAS from Johnson & Wales University where she was able to explore her love of food with foundational culinary classes and begin her career in dietetics learning about the connection between food and the body. She became a Registered Dietitian in 2024 after completing a Masters degree and accreditation program. Now, she teachers Culinary Nutrition at a local high school where her students learn how to create nutritious meals without compromising on any flavor. Ashley loves a farmers market, matcha lattes, and going on sushi dates.

Ditha Potter, Chef

Ditha Potter is a chef, culinary educator at the College of DuPage, kitchen manager, and ultimately a cook at heart who loves creating immersive dining experiences inspired by Southeast Asian flavors. Originally from Indonesia, she graduated from the Bandung Institute of Tourism with an associate degree in Food and Beverage Management and brings over seven years of experience working across five-star hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Her cooking is rooted in tradition while embracing a blend of classical and modern techniques, vibrant flavors, and seasonal ingredients.

Ditha is passionate about bringing people together through food, creating hands-on classes and shared experiences that celebrate culture, connection, and creativity. Outside of the kitchen, she enjoys developing new concepts,
exploring local food spots, and curating gatherings that blend food, wellness, and community.

Ditha Potter is a chef at Fox Den Cooking School in St. Charles, Illinois