Teacher and Staff Appreciation Spotlight | Sheila Ellis Food Services Director
Parents' Association interview with Sheila Ellis.
Sheila Ellis is the Food Services Director at the Orchard School. She works with the Aladdin Food Management Services.
What are the responsibilities of your role?
As the Food Services Director, I’m responsible for directing the workforce, the implementation of the menus, the implementation of good safety and sanitation practices, and catering for the events held at the school.
How long have you been at the Orchard School?
I came to Orchard on August 23rd of 2017 so almost six months! My family and I moved back to Indianapolis in November, 2016 from Rocky Mount North Carolina. We were there for eight years and before that Columbia, South Carolina. In Rocky Mount I worked with Compass Group USA as Corporate Food Service Director working with Glaxosmithkline and QVC Home Shopping Network. In Columbia, South Carolina I worked with Higher Education Food Services at the University of South Carolina.
You mentioned that you moved back to Indianapolis…
Yes! I worked with Sodexo USA for seventeen years in Indianapolis! With Sodexo I worked at Indiana University, Butler University, Anderson University (feeding the Indianapolis Colts in the summers), Franklin College and the Indiana Government Center. I’ve been doing this for twenty-five years this past May!
How would you compare the Orchard School to the other places that you have worked?
The difference in Orchard is that they focus more on nutritional needs and they pride themselves on being focused in on allergens. At other places there was not as much focus on nutrition and allergens as here. I feel that Orchard gives you a sense of family.
Speaking of family, would you share a little about yourself and your family with the Orchard community?
This is my second marriage - we’ve been married for fifteen years. We have a blended family of four daughters and ten grandchildren. My husband is originally from Indianapolis and I’m from Huntsville, Alabama. Some of our children have been here all the time so now we’re home. My grandchildren range from nineteen years to our newest grandson who’s eight weeks old! My husband has twelve siblings all here, so we are glad to be back. All my family is in Alabama - two older sisters, an older brother and a younger brother. Now they’re only six hours away so it’s easier to visit.
Who are the other members of the Aladdin team?
Gumpol Clawson - Chef
James Dolph - Lead Cook
Regina Thomas - Front of the House Lead
Markayla Baines - Line Server
Maria Ortiz - Dish Room
Ruby Hanmer - Salad Department
I try to establish a personal one on one relationship and establish trust. I jump in to help as needed and I have an open door policy. Keeping communication lines open seems to work for a better relationship.
What are some of the things that you enjoy?
I enjoy cooking for my friends and family and planting a vegetable garden each year; reading and working on different committees with my church family - Eastern Star Church in Fishers; and spending time with my grandchildren.
Letter Boxes are located in the Center; next to the Elementary School Art Room; in the Early Childhood hallway; and near the Middle School Administrative Office. Now you can drop off your letters of appreciation to all of your favorite SUPERHEROES disguised as teachers, administration, maintenance, cafeteria staff, and Kids Connect staff. Letters will be delivered during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, March 12-16.
Click here to read the previous Teacher and Staff Appreciation spotlight.
Letter Boxes are located in the Center; next to the Elementary School Art Room; in the Early Childhood hallway; and near the Middle School Administrative Office. Now you can drop off your letters of appreciation to all of your favorite SUPERHEROES disguised as teachers, administration, maintenance, cafeteria staff, and Kids Connect staff. Letters will be delivered during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, March 12-16.
Click here to read the previous Teacher and Staff Appreciation spotlight.
