Laura Jacobo is director of nutrition services at Woodlake Unified School District. Since her first attempt at a cheese souffle at six years old, Laura has always had a love of cooking and the science of how things work in the kitchen. Laura has been with the Woodlake Unified School District since 1998 as director of nutrition services, overseeing a staff of 30. She began her career in foodservice and hospitality working in her family's fine dining restaurant, both in the front and back of the house. She then worked as food and beverage manager of a four-star hotel before her family left the restaurant business and opened a winery in the Central Valley. From planting the vines to working in the tasting room to developing the menu for wine maker dinners, she was involved in all aspects of the business. She has taught classes in culinary arts at the community college for over 20 years and continues to develop courses within the department. She is a graduate of the School for American Chefs and has completed continuing education courses at Johnson & Wales University. Italy is her favorite travel spot for many reasons, the food and wine and beautiful countryside being paramount. (Woodlake, CA)