It just made sense for Mindy Wright to start Patacake Parties. She had been cooking with her first daughter since Ella was only 18 months old. Her first kids cooking classes at the Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks department filled up immediately and when the waiting lists kept growing, she knew she had found a need, as well as her niche.

So in addition to cooking classes, she decided to teach at birthday parties and cater kids events. "For me it’s about having fun in the kitchen, empowering kids to realize how much they can already do all by themselves. I also like to ensure that my classes and parties are a bit fanciful and whimsical. Even if the kids aren’t in the kitchen when we cater an event, that party is still going to be much more memorable for them as it’s in their home.”

Mindy started out in the publishing world after graduating from San Francisco State University, but always was more content in the kitchen then at the computer. So she returned to school, this time training at the professional pastry program at Tante Marie’s Cooking School in San Francisco. She still writes, and is currently a food writer for education.com. Some of her other articles have been featured in regional and national magazines, including Wine X and the Bay Area Parent’s Press. Mindy lives in a downtown Santa Rosa Victorian with her husband,Tom, and two daughters, Ella and Amelia.

Libby Cookman has worked with kids since she was practically one herself. A former Camp Director for the Hayward Area Recreation District, Libby went on to earn a degree in recreation from San Francisco State University and is the director of the Petaluma Kindercare Program.

Sarah Cain has worked for several high end specialty food stores, patisseries, and catering companies and brings her extensive culinary experience to our catered events. Sarah ensures that the events are well organized, and that the menus not only appeal to kids and adults alike, but capture the cheerful spirit that Patacake Parties is all about.