MEET OUR CHEFS
Mimi Saine, MScN, CPC, Co-Founder
she/her
Mimi was born on a fruit orchard, the daughter of two naturopathic doctors, and the granddaughter of a French woman and and Armenian man. Needless to say, nourishing, wholesome food was a centerpiece of Mimi's life from the get-go. While studying Psychology at the University of Colorado she started experiencing mental health issues of her own. Through a self-led health journey she found healing from personalized nutrition, movement, and having a balanced lifestyle. After completing a Masters of Science program at the National University of Natural Medicine, she co-founded Sage Home Chef with her friend Linda.
Linda McNally, MScN, CPC, Co-Founder
she/her
Linda has been always been in love with food, her Italian roots shaped her view of food in relationship to family and love. After studying Journalism at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, she graduated with a Masters of Science in Nutrition from NUNM in Portland. She found her own healing through good food, movement, and natural medicine, after years of finding only disappointment in the conventional healthcare system. She co-founded Sage with her business partner Mimi and to share healthy and delicious food.
Sierra Wilder, CPC
she/her
Sierra was raised in rural Pennsylvania in a family of farmers. She has always been taught that the dinner table is the great uniter and is a way to express love and togetherness with those closest to you. Sierra attended culinary school at Johnson & Wales University and has cooked in restaurants around the country, always in pursuit of a deeper understanding of different cultures and food philosophies. She is also a certified group fitness and indoor cycling instructor with a passion for healthy, nourishing food that promotes wellness inside and out.
Harmony Spangler, MScN, CPC
she/her
Harmony grew up on a guest ranch in Colorado, spending lots of time helping in the kitchen and enjoying the fantastic food. When she was 18, her mom gave her the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, and so began her journey into food as healing. Harmony had a previous life in Chicago, attending art school and working at an agency doing graphic design. She moved to Portland in 2006 to raise her kids and soon began working in various restaurants focusing on special diets. She loves nourishing others with food and returned to school in 2020 to complete her Master's Degree in Holistic Nutrition. Her focus has been on a diet related to mental health through the gut-brain axis.
In her free time, she hosts a women's circle, enjoys all the nature that Portland offers, dances, and focuses on quality time with family.
Berlin Hefley, MScN, CPC, CNS
she/her
Berlin was raised in a family where food was the ultimate love language. Being born in the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area, Berlin found solace in the comforts of home cooking. For her undergrad, she moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she was introduced to the beauty of living a slower lifestyle. After spending multiple quarters learning about urban farming she realized she was happiest when she was around food; whether it was planting, harvesting, cooking, eating, or simply talking about it. After graduating, she spent her time working at a small restaurant figuring out where she wanted to be in life. During this time, she was also known hosting large dinner events for friends and loved ones. She finally decided that her goal in life was to always talk about food, so she moved to Portland and got her Master’s Degree in Nutrition at National University of Natural Medicine. She did this to understand the way food impacts the body and the benefits of eating wholesome and nutritious food. Her goal now is to spread her love of cooking and to nourish people the same way she has been able to nourish herself- through pouring lots of thought and love into everything she cooks. Berlin loves eating seasonal and balanced meals that are vegetable forward and utilizing healing spices whenever she can.
Maja Feldman, CPC
she/her
Maja is a multi-disciplinary chef, yoga teacher, and landscape designer, residing in Portland, Oregon. She works to positively affect people's relationship to food and their environment. From a young age she loved to cook and experiment with making traditional recipes "more" healthy. And learned to treat her own health issues through food nutrition. Her love of food has taken her around the world, meeting farmers and understanding different cultural relationships to food and the world's food system. She uses cooking as a creative outlet and loves spending time in the kitchen and garden with her 3 year old son.
Emily Persinger, CPC
she/her
Emily developed a love and passion for cooking in the home of her grandmother’s kitchen in the heart of Arkansas. Her grandmother was an adventurous cook who poured over Bon Appetit and Saveur magazines and always tried something new and exciting to make. Feeding people has always connected Emily back to her grandmother, so she decided to take that passion and run with it. She graduated culinary school with a degree in both culinary arts and baking/pastry in 2018 and has worked in kitchens for over 6 years. Getting to make people happy with food is a love language and Emily feels honored to get to do it for a living. When she’s not cooking, you can find Emily floating down the Sandy river, at the local library, doing yoga, making music, and hanging with her pug, Charles.
Hallie Saber, CPC
they/them
Plant-forward cooking and experimentation has captivated Hallie from an early age. They have worked for a farmers market food truck in North Carolina, studied herbal medicine while working in the Bay Area tech industry, and cooked for seniors as a caregiver here in Portland. Hallie is all about cultivating harmony and a zest for life, especially through healing foods—be they powerfully flavorful or subtly comforting. Cooking for neurodivergent households is a focus for them, prioritizing a balanced sensory experience as well as consideration of the lifestyle and convenience aspects of getting nourishment. Hallie is a lifelong learner with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mount Holyoke College. In their free time, you can find them in movement practices, creating textile art, and looking to the natural world for inspiration and restoration.
Melanie Matta, MScN, CPC
she/her
Melanie first found her love in the kitchen at a very young age in the form of baking. She gravitated towards any excuse to bake, cook, or plan a menu for family, friends, neighbors, holidays, and even the smallest celebrations. She also lived a very active lifestyle and became interested in the science of how food affects the body, which led her to attend Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics. After graduating, Melanie knew she wanted to learn more, but with a focus on healing and fueling the body with a holistic approach and where it all begins, the kitchen. This led her to the National University of Natural Medicine where she graduated with a Master of Science in Nutrition. Melanie believes that food tastes better when you love the way it’s grown and prepared, with a strong focus on seasonality, single ingredient foods, and eating in a way that makes you feel your best. With her roots connecting back to baking, Melanie loves creating energizing baked goods that taste like a treat, but are nourishing at the same time. When Melanie isn’t working, she can be found outdoors, mostly hiking, backpacking, or staying active with her dog. She enjoys making natural dog treats and focusing on hiker nutrition to stay fit for all of life’s adventures.
Maddy Betancourt, MScN, CPC
she/her
Maddy has had a lifelong love of food. Growing up, she was homeschooled, and much of her “classroom” was the kitchen, garden and u-pick farms. Her mom taught her about all things seasonal and local; growing plants from seeds, harvesting the produce, and bringing it to the kitchen to cook, bake, can, dry, freeze, or ferment. In her early twenties she worked at a gluten free, dairy free, allergen-friendly bakery, and found so much satisfaction providing customers with treats that put smiles on their faces while also meeting their dietary needs. She became interested in nutrition after dealing with some health issues in her teens that were solved with nutritional adjustments. She went on to pursue her Masters of Science in Nutrition at the National University of Natural Medicine. Additionally, she has a Health Coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is passionate about the intersection of food, pleasure and nourishment; helping people eat food that lights them up, while also fueling their bodies to do all the marvelous things they love to do. When she’s not cooking, you can find Maddy in the garden, listening to podcasts or reading, on a hike, or doing yoga.
Emily Sundstrom, CPC, NTP
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Emily's culinary wellness and nutrition career was shaped early on by her mother, a self-taught holistic health advocate and skilled home chef. Her mother's guidance and passion for cooking with fresh, nourishing ingredients instilled in her a deep appreciation for the kitchen. It was more than just a room—it was the heart of connection, culinary exploration, and nourishment with real, whole ingredients. This early exposure to cooking laid the foundation for Emily's future in culinary and nutritional wellness. Driven by her health challenges and the struggles of her loved ones, she later pursued education at The Nutritional Therapy Association, becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Today, her commitment to aiding others in achieving optimal nourishment is evident through her dedication to crafting meals that prioritize nutrient-dense ingredients, promoting overall well-being. Alongside this culinary passion, she co-founded Nourished Abode, a nutritional therapy practice with her sister. Guiding others to vibrant health through wholesome food is not just a job; it's her immense source of joy and her passion!
Erin Cox, CPC
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Erin grew up on the East Coast with Italian immigrant grandparents, Anthony Bourdain is one of her favorite people. Her grandma taught her how to love simple ingredients and how to do the dance of the kitchen. Her grandpa taught her what appreciation means and looks like. She grew up loving to cook. She’s a post 9/11 veteran, where the USAF taught her discipline, organization and accountability. She’s a hybrid of having back of house knowledge in an array of food service establishments and the discipline and passion that comes with preparing great food for people. She will be dancing and jamming out in your kitchen with an earbud in one ear, usually some sub genre of punk music going for tempo, with complete focus on the quality of your personal menu. She appreciates honest feedback and communication from her clients. She likes to describe herself as chaos covered in sprinkles.
Naomi Tyler, CPC
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Naomi was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California where she spent much of her youth outside and connected to place. Weekly farmers market trips, a variety of fruit trees in the backyard, and several chickens meant that she could see where her food came from, beginning at a young age. While completing college, she worked in agriculture, specifically on two farms over 3 years, selling the produce at Farmer's Markets in Seattle, Bellevue, and Bellingham, Washington. Working in agriculture in addition to selling at markets allowed Naomi to see full circle the importance of well-grown food and why regenerative farming practices are key.
In 2022, she received a cancer diagnosis, in which food as medicine principles was one of the most significant pillars that brought her back to life. She has since worked alongside passionate chefs in Portland, collaborated supper clubs for friends, and is highly influenced by her Japanese Grandmother’s legacy of love for cooking. In her free time, she does ceramics and spends time with her dog and cat in her garden. She is passionate about cooking food that is both nourishing and nutritious and is equally passionate about bringing people together.
Meaghan FitzPatrick, CPC
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Meaghan’s passion for food was born in the early 2000s, when she’d sit for hours watching peak Food Network channel and bossing her family around in the kitchen. Coming from a multi-generational family with Mexican-American roots, food was the centerpiece of her home, and cooking for others became her love language. Meaghan majored in Journalism with a minor in Food Studies at the University of Oregon, where her capstone project allowed her to work on the school’s Urban Farm. It was there that she learned about gardening, plant systems and food sustainability. Now, Meaghan is a freelance food writer, fermentation experimenter, and a strong believer that nourishing food is essential to a balanced, happy life.
Jin Sol Feder, CPC
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Food has always been an important part of Jin Sol's life experiences. Growing up in a multi-cultural household with a Korean mother and Jewish father, sharing meals was the main source of connection in her family. Cooking, baking, and sharing food with others has always been a passion of hers. Over the years, she worked in many restaurants, a cooking school and as a food photographer/writer in Denver. Jin Sol has a degree in photojournalism, with a background in marketing. After having cancer in 2022, her focus turned to holistic wellness and food as medicine. Food is one of Jin Sol’s love languages. She believes that the energy and love that goes into preparing a meal is nourishing and healing. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys being in the forest, spending time with her son, curating grief workshops and doing photography.
W.L. Stinnett, CPC
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Meet Chef W, a Nashville native with a passion for culinary excellence! After honing his skills in Tennessee, he brought his love for Southern flavors to the Pacific Northwest in 2021. With 20 years of experience in the food industry, holding various titles including Executive Chef, W is a seasoned professional dedicated to bringing quality, soul-nurturing food to all. When not in the kitchen, he's exploring Oregon's vibrant culinary scene, catching a game of his beloved Portland Trail Blazers, and soaking in the local arts and culture.
Clarissa Carbajal, CPC
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Clarissa was inspired from a young age by the vibrant food culture around her growing up in Southern California. Raised in a family of talented female cooks, she developed her appreciation for the culinary arts. Throughout her culinary journey, Clarissa has always been dedicated to reimagining classic dishes and finding innovative ways to create healthier, more nutrient-rich versions that are just as delicious. With nearly a decade of experience working in restaurants, she has honed her skills and developed an understanding of diverse cooking techniques and flavors. Always passionate about health and wellness, it is Clarissa’s goal to craft seasonal meals that excite the palate and nourish the body, bringing creativity to every plate. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her kayaking or hiking to the nearest lake, where she finds inspiration in being outdoors enjoying everything nature has to offer.
Courtney Davies, CPC
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Courtney's passion for cooking began with her family, where shared home-cooked meals created a foundation for connection and laughter. Experimenting with recipes and discovering flavor pairings sparked her creativity in the kitchen. In her twenties, a personal health journey deepened her connection to nutrition and food. Through this journey, she completely healed gut and hormone imbalances with herbs, nutrition and lifestyle. This furthered her knowledge in food as medicine, and she began sharing the benefits with other women.
Cycle syncing became a huge foundation of her nutrition, catalyzing years of experience cooking seasonally and in alignment with her body’s natural rhythms. Courtney loves the art of slowing down to truly connect with food. As a trained Postpartum Doula, she has expanded her culinary expertise by creating hearty soups and nutrient-packed freezer meals to support postpartum mothers. She has also hosted Women's events where she creates beautiful food spreads full of local and organic produce. Courtney loves mixing her appreciation for pleasure, beauty and healing into the food she co-creates. When not in the kitchen, you’ll find her exploring nature with her pup, dancing, creating, or enjoying time with friends and family.