Sana

My name is Sana Kochra and I graduated from Stephen Lewis Secondary School with honours in 2015. I also received an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) award for Bakers Apprentice though Co-Operative Education. 

Education: In 2015, I attended George Brown College for Baking and Pastry Arts Management. After graduating with honours in 2017, I attended Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa for Diplome de Pastisserie and graduated in 2018. 

Work Experience: At the beginning of the pandemic, I started my own pastry business, which caters to both Toronto and New York City, where I recently moved after getting married. My small business is called Bakedby_Sana (click on the link to see my work). I have worked at various bakeries, including Soma Chocolatemaker and Elle Cuisine (where I was a Pastry Chef for 1.5 years). I have volunteered at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa for various events and short courses that helped pastry beginners to improve their skills or learn new techniques in making desserts. 

Amplification: I wear Resound hearing aids and I currently do not use any assistive devices. Although, I did use an FM system during my time in high school. 

Hobbies: My goals have recently changed from wanting to work at various pastry shops (which I have accomplished) to wanting to own one. I want to work with Deaf people who have a passion in culinary arts as well and give them an opportunity to grow in an environment that they can feel comfortable communicating in. I want to establish my own Deaf pastry shop to help people, who are like me, to become the best they can be in the kitchen.  During my free time, I like traveling and exploring other food cultures, reading, and playing with my cat!

Favourite Quote:

“Being deaf does not make you dumb, just as being hearing does not make you smart.” - Anonymous