Associate Close-Up: Gary Slattery, Executive Chef at Collingswood
We recently sat down with Gary Slattery, the Executive Chef at Collingswood, to learn more about him and his passion for food and senior care and services. These are his words.
What is your name and job title (include UMC location/site)?
Gary W. Slattery Executive Chef of United Methodist Communities at Collingswood.
Where did you grow up and where else have you lived?
Massachusetts is where I am from. I have lived in six states and visited forty two
How long have you been a chef?
I have been in the food service since I was sixteen and went thru all the stations and became a certified Chef in 1980, still have the passion to this day as an Executive Chef
What kind of culinary training did you receive?
I worked as a young apprentice, furthered my education in Hotel and Food Management at Holyoke College then transferred to Johnson & Wales in Providence, R.I
Prior to coming to UMC, what was your favorite on-the-job experience?
I used to work for Rosewood Corp. feeding the rich and famous that  was quite an experience at the Mansion on Turtle Creek and Hotel Bel Air
What do you like best about working in a senior retirement community?
Listening to their past stories and sharing some of my stories. Finding out what they like and do not  like as far as food concerns.
Describe your philosophy of dining.
Nothing but the Best for the Best!! Making food consistent and tasty
Tell us about one of your culinary specialties.
I like using the best product for the item I am creating and I am sharing one of my favorite and easy recipes.
How does dining/food service at your community relate to Abundant Life?
Every meal is important to are residents, it is a  time to be social, eventful and they can always give their feedback.
Do the residents inspire you? Does one resident in particular stand out?
Absolutely! They are all special to me
What makes your community unique?
The way we treat each and every resident as if they were one of our family
Tell us about a prominent memory of a grandparent or other older adult who had a strong influence on your life.
I lived with my grandparents and learned a lot about life and how to live, laugh, and love.
My parents gave me a strong work ethic and respect for people.
