Our Team

James is a friendly and dedicated member of the Sunflower team who performs a wide-range of support tasks. James is responsible and helpful to everyone.

Stevie is an engaging and essential member of the Sunflower team, always willing to help out. He is dependable and performs several support tasks.

Chef Liz, our former executive pastry chef, created all aspects of our production operations. Under Liz’s leadership, our innovative pastry arts employment-training program was developed and implemented. In summer of 2017 Liz assumed her current role as General Manager. She manages the kitchen and training program, preparing and supporting students through employment. Contact Liz at liz@sunflowerbakery.org.

Jah works with our students during the instructional, curriculum-based segment of our pastry training program and also supports production as a pastry chef. Having worked in diverse kitchen environments, her warm disposition helps to guide our students as they begin the program.

Chef Marion brings more than 20 years of experience as a pastry chef in the DC area to her position directing the pastry arts component of our training program.  Her calm and supportive demeanor and knowledge of the field help us to continue to enhance and innovate learning in our bakery. Contact Marion at marion@sunflowerbakery.org.

Sara works collaboratively with our staff to develop and implement our innovative bakery and café employment training programs at Sunflower Bakery and Cafe Sunflower. In addition, she shepherds students and their families from initial inquiry throughout the training program. Sara has 45+ years of experience in the disability field. Contact Sara at sara@sunflowerbakery.org.

Contact Janis at janis@sunflowerbakery.org.

Daphna is responsible for organizational development, administration, fundraising and Board governance. She works collaboratively with staff to develop program direction. Then add Daphna has over 20 years of experience working with and consulting to nonprofits and family businesses.
Contact Daphna at daphna@sunflowerbakery.org.

Cindy has been working with Sunflower since 2010. She has developed and implemented many of the financial processes and management tools critical to our operation. Cindy is passionate about the work of Sunflower Bakery and dedicated to establishing a strong and sustainable financial structure.

Douglas Olinger completed the full Pastry Arts Employment Training at Sunflower Bakery. As a result of his internship at the Café, he joined the staff there to expand his skills working with customers.

Joey Nowicki became our Café Manager in December 2016 with seven years of front-of-house operations and managerial experience. We are excited for our staff members to learn from and work with such a knowledgeable professional. Joey has a great interest in developing our staff members’ marketable and transferable skills and abilities to help ensure their success in the workplace.