Lauren – Executive Pastry Chef “Lauren is the creative force beyond most of our signature sweets! A prestigious baker, she is the winner of ABC’s first season of “The Great American Baking Show” and has made appearances on Good Morning America, The Kitchen, Great Day Washington, and Pickler and Ben. She has competed in over 50 cooking competitions and her recipes have been featured in numerous magazines, such as Women’s Day, Food Network Magazine, and Taste of Home. Lauren Received her BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University and loves to use her artistic skills and creativity in her cooking and baking."

“After living with gluten and soy intolerances for over 15 years, Christian knows exactly how to navigate food allergens and restrictions without sacrificing his favorite meals. He enjoys creating new products and is constantly experimenting in the kitchen. In addition to baking, he is also a skilled carpenter with a construction background. He loves anything Star Wars and is always on the lookout for new comic series in his free time.”

Kelsey – Head Pastry Chef “Kelsey has been passionate about baking from a young age, placing 3rd in Virginia in the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s Prostart Program. She has an associates degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from Sullivan University and puts a creative spin on everything she makes in the TDB kitchen. She loves decorating our Cookie Cakes and enjoys bowling in her free time.”

“Always ready with a smile, Giselle loves to welcome guests through our doors! She enjoys making connections with customers and making them feel comfortable with any allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions. She also works as a registered behavior technician and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Human Services Administration. In her free time, she loves traveling, hiking, and dancing.”

“Jennifer is a United States Air Force veteran, serving 20 years on active duty before retiring in 2019. Since starting at TDB, she has loved the opportunity to serve others in the community with her skills. She is an expert at managing both our retail and wholesale production, and she has a passionate heart for baking that is reflected beautifully in the delicious treats she makes every day. She is a wife and mother of two children, and when not working in the bakery, she is also in the process of earning her degree in marketing.”

Julianne – Communications and Media Manager / Customer and Production Expert “After being diagnosed with a gluten allergy almost four years ago, Juli developed a passion for accessible products for those with food allergies. In addition to assisting customers, she manages our social media and loves being creative with daily stories, photos, and newsletters. She has a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing and continues to pursue her love of storytelling in her work. When not in the bakery (or roaming local bookstores), she enjoys curling up with Netflix, woodburning, and learning new instruments.”

Yara is the newest member of The Difference Baker team! She welcomes customers into the bakery and always serves with a smile. Living with food intolerances herself, she understands the struggles of allergens and cross-contact, and she draws on that knowledge and experience to assure customers of their safety and satisfaction! Yara is also an accomplished classically-trained singer, and is currently enrolling into grad school. She welcomes conversations about music and loves to explore new places and new ideas!

Melizza – Customer and Production Expert “Melizza loves baking and all things sweets! She is a gentle and calming presence in the bakery and is always ready to welcome new guests through our doors, answering any questions they might have. She also works as an automotive technician with a background in accounting, and she brings those same precise skills into the restaurant and baking industry. When she isn’t baking, she enjoys working with cars and horseback riding.”

Tia – Baker / Customer and Production Expert “Tia is a mother of four boys and has always been an avid cook and baker, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and an Associates of Applied Pastry and Baking Arts. After being diagnosed with gluten, almond, and peanut allergies four years ago, she developed a passion for serving others with food allergens and restrictions. In her free time, she enjoys barre classes, traveling, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with her family and loved ones.”

Michelle is a self-taught baker and professional cookie artist! A lover of new and challenging ventures, she first began cookie decorating almost 15 years ago with her four children - and never stopped! Since then, she has been creating beautiful, edible treats for every special occasion imaginable before officially joining the TDB family at the end of 2021. When not in the bakery, Michelle loves reading, knitting, watercolor painting, and spending time with her husband and grown-up children!