Benca Mathurin is a Chef Assistant at The Sylvia Center, where she helps bring hands-on cooking classes to life for young people across upstate New York. With a background in culinary arts and experience working as a cook in healthcare, Benca has prepared meals for older adults while building a strong foundation in nutritious, delicious cooking. She came to The Sylvia Center because it combines two things she loves most: cooking and working with kids. Benca is passionate about helping young people discover that healthy food can also be fun, flavorful, and exciting to make. When she's not in the classroom, you'll often find her cooking or baking at home. Her favorite dish to make is penne alla vodka.