About Deaf Chef Ross

We have a fabulous team with various backgrounds, skills, experiences, and food & cooking knowledge.

We look forward to working with you.

Team of Deaf Chef Ross

Ross Onley-Zerkel

Food and Cooking Coach and Business Owner

Auslan video

Ross is registered with the NDIS so Deaf Chef Ross can deliver programs to people with a NDIS plan. His wish is to help people improve and manage their health with foods that are good for our mind and body.

Ross has a passion for fresh and whole foods, and a strong belief in regularly eating home-cooked meals. 

Ross at the NDIS conference stall
Ross cooking in the commercial kitchen

Ross studied cookery and worked at two cafes for the experience. A close colleague suggested that he deliver cooking classes to encourage deaf people to cook and eat healthy, home-cooked meals.

Ross launched Deaf Chef Ross and completed a business course to develop the business.

Ross travelled in the USA to meet deaf chefs and gained some insights on their career life. Alan Abrams (Atable! in NYC) and David Uzzell (Washington DC) both stated the importance of educating deaf children and adults about fresh foods and nutrients. Ross discovered his niche.

He wanted to coach people and help them to introduce more nutrients in their diets by developing their food knowledge and cooking skills.

David and Ross in USA

Ross Onley-Zerkel – Experience & Certificates

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Certificate IV in Training and Education

Certificate IV in Disability Work

Working with Children Check

Level 2 First Aid

 

Collectively, our team has over 30 years’ experience in commercial cooking and working in cafes and restaurants.

  • Ross Onley-Zerkel – Experience & Certificates

    Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

    Certificate IV in Training and Education

    Certificate IV in Disability Work

    Working with Children Check

    Level 2 First Aid

     

    Collectively, our team has over 30 years’ experience in commercial cooking and working in cafes and restaurants.

Meet the Staff

    Daniel

    Daniel Martin

    Cooking Mentor

    Auslan video

    Daniel Martin has been a chef for many years. He has experience with savouries, soups, curries, and salads.

    He is excellent at mentoring clients with cooking, knife and food preparation skills.

    Sonia Younger

    Cooking Mentor

    Auslan video

    Sonia Younger is passionate about cooking and supporting people to develop their own confidence in the kitchen.

    In this role she guides the clients to produce delicious dishes to enjoy their home- cooked meals.

    Sonia
    Sarah Maree

    Vanessa Adzaip

    Camera and video editor  

    Auslan video

    Vanessa was born on a tropical island in Bohol, Philippines where there were a lot of fruits and vegetables to cook.

    She loves to travel to different countries to experience and taste their authentic food dishes, and capturing memories through her camera.

    E. Ni Pualwan

    Business Administration  

    Ni works in our office and manages the back-end business administration and support needed to keep Deaf Chef Ross business running smoothly. She has experience running organisations and small businesses.

    Ni earned her Diploma Auslan in 2022 and is currently completing her Diploma Community Service.

    Sarah Maree

    Get in touch with us

    Would you like more information about the programs? Just talk to us!

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