"At RCC I learned how to run a food business in this country. The teachers were really there for me, and I still call them for advice."

For Haitian native and restaurateur Michelle Timothee, Rockland Community College helped provide the impetus and knowledge she needed to create her own catering business here in the U.S.

Timothee has been running her own event planning and catering business since graduating from Rockland’s Hospitality program. She has clients as far away as Albany, and generally serves "all variety of dishes" buffet style to parties of 200-250 people. "In my catering business, I try to put an American twist on Caribbean food," she said.

She feels that honing her skills and knowledge of the industry at the College increased her confidence and potential. "At RCC, I learned specific things about how to run a food business in this country, especially sanitation and safe food preparation," Timothee said.

The Pomona resident returned to school after focusing on raising her son, Michael. In Haiti, she had owned and managed a German-style restaurant that she opened when she was only 20 at the recommendation of German dignitaries who had enjoyed her cooking.

When Timothee first enrolled in the College she did not know a Hospitality program even existed until she saw a student walk by in a chef’s uniform. Adjunct instructor Gina Liberti's lessons have rung fresh in Timothee's mind long after graduation. Liberti, a certified nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of a healthy, organic diet to her students. As a result of her lessons with Liberti, Timothee eats mostly organic foods and makes her catering menu as natural as possible, offering plenty of vegetarian options.

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