CERTIFICATIONS

Culinary Arts

Seattle Central Community College Alumni

In August of 2023, Nikki Odens and her family made the decision to settle in White Pine, Tennessee, marking a new and exciting chapter after years of moving around due to her husband Tyler’s military career. Tyler, who served in the Army for eight years, and Nikki have been happily married for 15 years. Together, they have two sons, Jackson and Deacon as well as Nikki's adult daughter, Lauren. After years of relocations, the family is thrilled to finally call Tennessee home and is excited to put down permanent roots in the beautiful state.

Nikki is gearing up for her seventh year of homeschooling, with the milestone approaching in August 2024. Her commitment to homeschooling has not only been a rewarding experience for her but has allowed her to fully engage in her children's education while also continuing to learn alongside them. Homeschooling has become an integral part of her life, reflecting her passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. Outside of teaching, Nikki enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, and raising chickens—activities that allow her to stay connected to nature while also embracing her love of nurturing. However, her true passion lies in serving others and imparting the wisdom she has gained over the years.

Before dedicating herself to being a full-time stay-at-home mom, Nikki had a successful and fulfilling career. After graduating from Culinary School, she worked for four years at the University of Washington at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU), where she designed and prepared specialized menus for children with autism and neurological impairments. Her role at EEU extended beyond meal preparation, as she also coordinated and catered special functions and events. In addition, Nikki played an instrumental part in the Federal Head Start Program, where she initiated and taught cooking and nutrition classes for parents, helping them learn how to prepare nutritious meals on a limited budget.

Nikki's commitment to giving back led her to volunteer for Share Our Strength, a national organization dedicated to fighting child hunger. She participated in two of their key initiatives: Taste of the Nation and Operation Frontline. Taste of the Nation is an annual fundraiser aimed at raising money to combat child hunger, and Nikki served on the steering committee, helping organize this important event. With Operation Frontline, Nikki and other chefs taught six-week-long cooking and nutrition courses to low-income children and teen mothers, empowering them with the skills to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their families.

After her time at the University of Washington, Nikki gained further culinary experience working in restaurants in New York and California. She also spent time working at Trader Joe's and in the catering department at Northrop Grumman, expanding her professional skills in various industries. When her family relocated to South Dakota, Nikki transitioned to a new role at St. Joseph's Indian School, where she worked as the Communications Coordinator and later as a Web Editor, gaining experience in the non-profit sector while connecting with the local community.

In 2012, after Tyler returned from a year-long deployment, Nikki made the decision to become a full-time stay-at-home mom. This decision allowed her to focus entirely on raising their two sons, Jackson and Deacon, and has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her life. She cherishes the time spent with her children, guiding them through the challenges and joys of childhood while creating lasting memories as a family.

As Nikki looks back on her journey, she feels incredibly grateful for the many opportunities she has had to serve, educate, and grow. She’s thankful for the gifts God has given her and is excited for what lies ahead. With a heart full of love for her family, her community, and her faith, Nikki remains committed to living a life of service and is eager to see where God leads her next. Whether it’s through her experiences in the culinary world, her role as a mother, or her ongoing dedication to teaching and nurturing, Nikki continues to make a positive impact wherever she goes.

Nikki is honored to serve as the Culinary Arts Department Head and as an Instructor at Freedom Christian Academy.