Joan Miceli Robinson ‘90

Mount de Sales is, and always will be the touchstone which formed the foundation of my life. The education I received at MDSA gave me the skills, empathy, and compassion to be the person I am today. My greatest accomplishment is being a mother to three amazing children Julia, Caroline, and Andrew. My oldest, Julia De Sales Robinson carries the name of my alma mater while my younger daughter Caroline is a rising senior at MDSA and walks the same halls I did 30 years ago. My youngest, Andrew, while unable to become a Sailor, has always volunteered to help at many of our events!

 

Staying connected to MDSA has been an extremely important part of my life. As an active member of the Alumnae Association, I help plan and execute our events and fundraisers. Words cannot express how much joy I receive from this involvement.  Some of my MDSA classmates are my oldest and closest friends. I have also established many new friendships with other Sailor sisters along the way. The relationships I formed at MDSA will last a lifetime; it truly is a sisterhood.

 

My deep need to help others, which I first acquired at MDSA, set me on a path to serve the community.  My journey has taken me from being a Social Worker, where I protected children in dire situations, to a “Stay at Home Mom,” where I instilled the need to have compassion for others in my children. From there I became a Professional Organizer, helping others declutter their lives. I am currently a partner opening the Culinary Craft Workshop (CCW), a recreational cooking school in downtown Catonsville.

 

I have a passion for cooking that has always been an integral part of my life. My love of cooking opened the doors and allowed me to become a partner in CCW, set to open later this fall. Our goal is to give people the skills needed to expand their culinary horizon and enrich their lives.

 

The Culinary Craft Workshop of Catonsville is designed as a teaching kitchen and cooking workshop where people of all culinary skill levels come together to work with professional chefs in a relaxed setting. Students will experience both hands-on learning and chef-led demonstration classes in everything from basic skills and techniques to creating delicious gourmet meals. CCW will offer a variety of cooking classes designed for both individuals and groups. Additionally, Culinary Craft Workshop will offer fun and instructional programs for kids and teens with a passion for food as part of a ‘Junior Chefs’ program.

 

The mission of CCW is to offer guests something more than just going out to eat! It is about the enjoyment of preparing a meal, while acquiring new culinary skills.

 

It is exciting to me that CCW will open in Catonsville as I call this community home. From my time at Mount de Sales that prepared me for several fulfilling careers to raising a family in 21228, to now opening this business. I am grateful for Mount de Sales and truly believe that my time there was the launching point to a satisfying life!