TMF Staff Spotlight: Amanda Markham

What town do you live in? 

Randolph

What do you do at the Foundation?  

Sous Chef.

Have you done similar work in the past? 

Yes, I had previous experience with serving buffet style meals. 

How long have you worked at the Foundation? 

Since January 2023. 

What’s your favorite part of working at TMF? 

Being able to serve our post-911 recalibrated veterans, and their families. It means a lot to be able to provide delicious meals during their stay, and it warms my heart to hear from the volunteers who drive them back to the airport, how they always compliment the food, when asked about their stay.

Do you have a favorite story you'd like to share from your time here? 

Being challenged to create and execute a dinner menu to correspond with a theme, which recntly was "Luau," "All American," "Disney" and "Superhero" meals. Seeing the excitement in not only the kids, but their parents, was truly the best part!

What is your favorite feature of the Retreat/Foundation? 

Our Volunteers, It amazes me everyday that we have amazing people willing to donate their free time to ensure I have the help I need in getting our meals ready and to serve our participants. I am so grateful to be able to get to know and work with so many wonderful people.They are a huge part of my position with the Foundation.

What is a fun fact about yourself you'd like to share with readers?  

I am always trying to challenge myself by using a new ingredient or trying out a new bread recipe. My absolute favorite creation so far was the braided rapunzel garlic bread I made from challah bread seasoned with roasted garlic and Italian herbs, decorated with butterfly and flower rice paper for our Disney-inspired dinner.