Patty James M.S., C.N.C.
Nutritionist. Chef. Author.

Patty is a Certified Natural Chef with a Master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition. Patty was founder and director of the Patty James Cooking School and Nutrition Center, the first certified organic cooking school and nutrition center in the country.

During the spring of 2008, Patty closed the school in favor of dedicating her time and expertise to consultations and education in nutrition and healthy cooking, locally and throughout the country, as well as in Canada and abroad. She created a superb teaching aid known as the Patty James Health Guide, a guide to life-long healthy eating and lifestyle.

Patty is a frequent guest speaker in public and private schools around the US, the Clinton Foundation in New York, as well as to health practitioners and organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club.

Passionate about the art and science of cooking and natural health, Patty teaches about nutrition in plain language, inspiring students through her dynamic style of teaching people of all ages and walks of life. Her philosophy is simple:

“Eating well is not only possible in the busy life you lead, it is essential to living a balanced life. Through the process & pleasure of cooking we recognize the connection of all beings to each other. Food is more nurturing to body & spirit when we are part of the process.”

Mackenzie Rich

Mackenzie Rich, a native to Sebastopol has lived in Sonoma County for most of her life. She is a Certified Holistic Chef and has been cooking since she could reach the counter. After living in Italy for several months in 2005, Mackenzie returned home with an even greater desire to celebrate food and its connection to a more joyful life.

After graduating from culinary school in 2006, Mackenzie worked as a personal chef for various special need clients, including those with severe cases of gluten intolerance, diabetes and obesity.  Mackenzie was mentored by Patty James and helped teach cooking classes for children at Patty James Cooking School and Nutrition Center.  As the proprietor of Mackenzie Rich Catering, she provides services utilizing local and organic food with an emphasis on alternative and health conscious meal planning.

Through sharing her passion for food, Mackenzie provides a comfortable environment in teaching those around her that living a healthy life is an attainable goal for each and every one of us.

Irema Sivcevic

Irema is passionate about the pursuit of good nutrition and enjoys educating families on how to develop an affordable, healthy lifestyle.  Her dynamic and engaging presentations on a wide variety of nutrition topics have captivated audiences of different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.

Irema’s holistic coaching experience includes:

• Developing and teaching nutritional educational programs and workshops for audiences at Bay Area community organizations including: Committee On The Shelterless, YMCA, and Church of Religious Sciences.
• Developing a nutritional educational program for teen-aged synchronized swimmer athletes of the “Redwood Empire AquaStars” team.
• Creating workshops introducing the teen athlete to long-term weight stabilization and healthy living.

Prior to her holistic coaching career, Irema worked for over twenty five years in the telecommunication industry in engineering. During her engineering career she taught many seminars and workshops.

Raised on a Mediterranean diet, Irema never acquired the taste for processed foods. Her passion for food and nutrition reignited when her mom was diagnosed with cancer and was treated holistically. The healing power of foods steered Irema towards the field of nutrition.

Irema has Masters’ degree in Holistic Health and Nutrition Education from Hawthorn University and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina.  She is a member of the National Association of Nutritional Professionals and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Irema is the proud mom of two great kids!