What’s Cooking with Lightfully? Q&A with Lightfully’s Chefs
Lightfully’s Residential Treatment programs are special in several ways; today we are taking a peek behind the scenes to highlight our very own culinary talent – Lightfully’s in-house Chefs!
These talented artisans help our clients connect the dots between mind and body in meaningful ways. Here, in their own words, a Q&A with Lightfully Chefs:
A conversation with Chef Ethan Ritenour, RTC – Teen, San Diego
Q: What drew you to Lightfully?
A: What drew me to Lightfully was the opportunity to cook for a younger population. Teaching them structured eating habits and being part of the healing process through food and nutrition – this is the work I enjoy. 
Q: What’s been your top moment at Lightfully, so far? Perhaps something you observed, or a meaningful interaction with someone?
A: Getting a younger population to enjoy more complex and creative foods such as salads, vegetables, and fruits, and it’s great hearing positive feedback from the clients.
Q: What’s your #1 go-to comfort food for the house?
A: Every Tuesday we do ‘Taco Tuesday,’ a different varietyof tacos, salsas, and sides. Every Friday night we make homemade Pizzas, different varieties, and toppings each week. The clients enjoy these days as something to look forward to that is consistent every week.
Connecting with Chef Janett Flores, RTC – Adult, LA
Q: What drew you to Lightfully?
A: From the first moment I discovered Lightfully, I had a feeling this would be a company I would want to be involved with. Lightfully has a very friendly and welcoming vibe. I very much appreciate how enthusiastic Lightfully staff is about the company, which made me excited too! This is the kind of environment I thrive most because it is open-minded and welcoming. Teamwork and a supportive workspace where all come together for like-minded goals. I’m so grateful and proud to be a part of the Lightfully family!
Q: What’s been your top moment at Lightfully, so far? Perhaps something you observed, or a meaningful interaction with someone?
A: There are so many top moments I can think of, which is one of the main reasons why I love my job. Every day is meaningful here at Lightfully. What brings me the greatest joy is how appreciative clients are about having hearty home-cooked meals. Making clients feel special and happy daily, cheering up their day with meals I know they will love. This is why I do what I do.
Q: What’s your #1 go-to comfort food for the house?
A: Go to lunch comfort meal is Beef Stew with homemade butter biscuits, especially for this winter weather.”
Chatting with Chef Chris Trujillo, RTC – Adult, Conejo Valley
Q: What drew you to Lightfully?
A: I was drawn to cook at Lightfully because I not only have a passion for cooking, but as a pastor, I have the heart to serve people. Knowing that food is therapy I feel I can use my gifts to help the clients.
Q: What’s your “top moment” at Lightfully?
A: There have been many, but one that sticks out the most is when we had a client who loved to bake, so I got them a box cake and they displayed it on the table with my name on it as if they made it for me!
Q: What’s your #1 go-to comfort food for the house?
A: I’m all about grilling and making some comfort food. I can honestly say that my tri-tip is a hit! Every time I make it the staff and the clients devour it! I think it’s a toss-up between that and Taco Tuesday. Every week we have a different type of spread that includes all kinds of goodies. We’ve had everything from homemade street tacos, taquitos, flautas, quesadillas, and a nacho and taco bar, with all the fixings. Oh, and every hot sauce you can imagine!
