ICE students, instructors and staff pass through the lobby of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City

Meet the ICE Admissions Staff

Your ICE Admissions representative is your first introduction to the ICE community, and one of your greatest assets in planning your future in culinary arts. 

Whether you're planning your new career or first career, you'll be matched with the ICE Admissions representative that best understands your background and needs. They're your advisor and guide, helping you determine which path is best for your aspirations and the steps to take to get there.

Our Admissions Team

orlando-mangual

Orlando Mangual, Director of Admissions

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ICE: The dedication everyone has to helping students succeed.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Rice and beans, and steak.

samantha-barr

Samantha Barr, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Brooklyn, New York

Working at ICE since: 2021

Favorite thing about working at ICE: I’m a food nerd! I love being able to talk about all things food, beverage and restaurants. I am constantly looking up new spots to eat at…if you have recommendations send them my way!

Best thing I ever ate: Ajo blanco soup in Mexico and traditional gumbo from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.

sebastian-boyd

Sebastian Boyd, Admissions Representative

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
 
Working at ICE since: 2022 
 
Favorite thing about working at ICE: Seeing the students in class pursuing their dreams with smiles on their faces and enjoying every moment. 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maryland crab cakes.

fred-cesarano

Fred Cesarano, Senior Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ New York, New York

Working at ICE since: 1998

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Meeting graduates 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Growing up on the Upper East Side, I have enjoyed the best tasting cheesecake in local bakeries and the best fettuccini Alfredo from top restaurants in New York City. You can say I'm spoiled. When dinning anywhere outside of the city, I truly miss the NYC experience.

john-davis

John Davis, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown: Newark, New Jersey

Working at ICE since: 2020

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Working with such a dedicated team devoted to making this school GREAT!

Best thing I ever ate: Filet mignon.

danielle-diesu

Danielle Diesu, Admissions Support Associate

Hometown:​ Huntington, New York

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Knowing I’m helping the students follow their dreams. And all the baked goods! 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Sushi!! 
 

jock-grundy

Jock Grundy, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown: New York, New York

Working at ICE since: 2015

Favorite thing about working at ICE: We make people’s dreams come true!

Best thing I ever ate: Sea urchin pasta with white truffles at Masa.

sarah-harvey

Sarah Harvey, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Fred Cesarano’s jokes. 
 
Best thing I ever ate: Steak, steak and steak.

joe-munoz

Joe Munoz III, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Carrollton, Texas

Working at ICE since: 2022

Favorite things about working at ICE: The privilege to work with students of all ages and backgrounds, united in taking the brave step to follow their interests, the creativity that results from such a diverse student body and the chance to sample delicious fine cuisine daily. 

Best thing I ever ate: Ask me on different days and you are sure to get different answers, but the experience that springs to mind is Capital City Bakery in Austin, Texas — a 100% vegan bakery with delicious treats!

amy-rankin

Amy Rankin, Associate Director of Admissions Support

Hometown:​ Jamestown, Pennsylvania 

Working at ICE since: 2016

Favorite thing about working at ICE: I have a huge passion for education so getting to help others pursue their career is amazing. I also love working with all of the staff here at ICE. 
 
Best thing I ever ate: It’s hard to pick just one thing. I am a big sweets person but I love anything Italian. 
 

margarita-rivera

Margarita Rivera, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Queens, New York

Working at ICE since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ICE: When I first meet the students, seeing how excited they are in pursuing their dreams and how proud they are of the food they make in their classes.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Grilled octopus at the Greek Grill in Howard Beach, New York — so good!

adrianne-russell

Adrianne Russell, Admissions Representative

Hometown:​ Houston, Texas

Working at ICE since: 2020

Favorite thing about working at ICE: It’s so rewarding to work with students who are excited about their future and have an undeniable passion for this industry! 

Best thing I ever ate: There is no way I could even begin to answer this! My favorite food is Vietnamese, but that’s about as specific as I can get. 

ron-toomer

Ron Toomer, Associate Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Queens, New York

Working at ICE since: 2014

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Working with students who are excited about starting their careers in the industry, also seeing them evolve throughout the year.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Everything is always good! 

adam-truelove

Adam Truelove, Assistant Director of Admissions

Hometown:​ Waterbury, Connecticut

Working at ICE since: 2018

Favorite thing about working at ICE: The admissions team makes things fun on a daily basis.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Maccheroni alla chitarra with sea urchin and crab meat.

Michael Stewart is a Senior Admissions Representative at ICE

Michael Stewart, Senior Admissions Representative

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
 
Working at ICE since: 2022
 

Favorite thing about working at ICE: Getting the opportunity to not only learn but also taste different foods I thought I would never try, only to realize how great they are, immediately making me frustrated on how long I’ve been missing out on them.
 
Best thing I ever ate: Mom’s jerk ribs.