Meet the chefs
Meet the chefs
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Chef T
Chef T
Chef Christina Tartaglino, affectionately known as Chef T, hails from the picturesque state of Connecticut. Her culinary journey is marked by extensive travel, during which she has immersed herself in diverse cultures and cuisines from across the United States and around the globe.
With a profound passion for the culinary arts, Chef T graduated with distinction from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, earning her bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts Management. This solid foundation paved the way for a vibrant career in the culinary world.
Chef T honed her skills as a Sous Chef at Max Downtown in Hartford, CT, a renowned establishment celebrated for its exquisite dishes. Additionally, she contributed her talents to the Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Virginia, where she further refined her culinary expertise in a luxurious setting.
Driven by a desire to inspire the next generation of chefs, Chef T transitioned into education, embracing her role as a Culinary Arts Instructor at Manchester High School. Her enthusiasm for teaching led her to the Connecticut Technical High School System, where she passionately leads the Rising Star kitchen and dining room. Here, she collaborates with her Juniors and Seniors, guiding them through the exciting world of culinary arts, and instilling in them a love for cooking and creativity in the kitchen.
Chef Roraback
Chef Roraback
Chef Jamie Roraback, a native of Middlefield, Connecticut, has dedicated 40 years to the culinary arts. Inspired by his father's farm-fresh cooking over an open fire, he began his culinary journey washing dishes and cooking in local restaurants. He then graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he received the prestigious Richard T. Keating award for “Student Most Likely to Succeed.”
After graduating, Chef Roraback returned to his hometown, where he created the local cooking show “Freestyle Cooking,” airing over 100 episodes across Connecticut. He has worked in some of New England's finest restaurants and spent 30 years in culinary education, including 25 years at The Connecticut Culinary Institute (now Lincoln Culinary Institute) in Hartford. Currently, he inspires high school culinary students at A.I. Prince Tech in Hartford.
Chef Roraback holds dual certifications from the American Culinary Federation as a Certified Executive Chef (CEC®) and Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC®), making him one of only 36 chefs nationwide with this distinction. He is also certified in the ServSafe® Managers Certification.
An accomplished author, Chef Roraback has contributed to textbooks like “On Cooking” and “On Baking,” and shares recipes weekly on NBCConnecticut.com. Alongside Chef Paul Montalto, he co-hosted the radio show “The Dining Hour” and has appeared in over 1200 live cooking segments on NBC Connecticut. He has also featured on the Food Network and QVC.
In his free time, Jamie enjoys gardening with his wife Alison and their daughters, Claire and Kate, growing heirloom tomatoes, squash, peppers, and herbs. They share their garden’s bounty with neighbors and participate in community cooking competitions as judges. Chef Roraback also serves on the Board of Education for Regional School District 13 and co-founded the Coginchaug Valley Educational Foundation (CVEF), which supports local educational initiatives.
Chef Tuinei
Chef Tuinei
Chef Rebeca Tuinei, originally from California, moved to Las Vegas to pursue her Associate's degree in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu. While studying, she worked at The Wynn and Encore Casinos for over seven years, gaining experience in various restaurants. Chef Tuinei learned from talented chefs, mastering techniques in rustic Italian, steakhouse, French fine dining, and pastry, and served as a Sous Chef under many of them.
After relocating to Connecticut over ten years ago, she worked with skilled chefs in the Hartford area. As the Executive Chef at Wintonbury Golf Club, she decided to follow her passion by launching her own healthy meal prep business, Nala’s Kitchen. As the Executive Chef and Owner, she focused on creating nutritious meals for busy lifestyles, transforming high-calorie dishes into healthy, enjoyable options. Her culinary skills have been featured on Food Network shows, local news segments, and praised by food critics.
Balancing her role as a mother, Chef Tuinei transitioned into teaching after discovering a passion for mentoring students. She learned about the teaching program five years ago and has since hired many students during her time at the golf course. Encouraged by fellow chefs, she took the leap to teach at A.I. Prince Tech High School in the Culinary Department. Welcomed by veteran chefs and teachers, she is now navigating her exciting new journey in education.
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