James McFarland - Assistant Director and Executive Chef
Inspired by his mother’s love of cooking and passion for hosting family gatherings, Executive Chef James McFarland, born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan began professionally preparing cuisine for others at a young age. He has shared his talents in many areas of the food industry including restaurant, hotel, and resort kitchens throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
In 2001, James accepted his position of Executive Chef at the University of Saskatchewan where he has been integral in developing and leading one the of provinces largest food service operations, transitioning it from a once very institutional cafeteria to one of the most innovative culinary operations in Canada. He has coordinated many large and high profile events that have included menu design, cuisine preparation, and mentoring his team. This team has served many political dignitaries including Prime Ministers, the Supreme Court of Canada, Governor General, and the Queen of England on her Royal visit.
James is dedicated to career development and the continued growth of knowledge, skills, and expertise in his profession, which was made evident when he achieved his Certified Chef de Cuisine designation, which is the highest level of certification obtainable for chefs in Canada. Along with this designation, he and his team are regularly participating in chef competitions. On October 28, 2017 Chef James competed and won the invitational Gold Medal Plates which features premier chefs in each city across Canada. He is excited to represent Saskatchewan on the national stage at the Canadian Gold Medal Plates in Kelowna, BC in February 2018.
James continues to develop relationships with local farmers and producers to bring fresh, wholesome, and sustainable ingredients and to support the local community. His professional philosophy for the food he prepares is to use quality ingredients, proper techniques, with creative presentation while taking into consideration regional cuisines, as well as authentic flavours and ethnically diverse fare.
When James is not in a professional kitchen, in his spare time he enjoys country living on his acreage with his wife Leanne and three (with two more on the way!) young children.
Margaret Bieber - Catering Operations Coordinator
Born in Wolseley, Saskatchewan and brought up on a mixed farm, Margaret was definitely part of the “local food movement,” before it was popular. From an early age, she delivered food to the field for harvest lunch and helped with the large family garden. By the age of fifteen, she developed a keen interest in cooking and healthy eating.
After finishing high school, Margaret attended the University of Saskatchewan and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition. While attending University, she began working at Marquis Hall in Food Services, at the University of Saskatchewan. She has worked in every area of the kitchen, the front office and became Catering Operations Manager in 2008. She has also worked in the Health District, at Parkridge Centre for 8 years.
Margaret says the highlight of her job is the opportunity to meet a diverse group of clients, faculty, students and staff at the University. No day is ever the same, and there are always new challenges that come up, and help her learn new skills and grow both professionally and personally in our Culinary Service Department.
Outside of work, Margaret has an interest in the Saskatchewan Agriculture industry, her Century Family Farm, and Health and Fitness, and goes to the gym regularly.
Angelica Millan - Dining Coordinator
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Angelica joined the Culinary Services team in 2023 as the Dining Coordinator. In her role Angelica most enjoys getting to know the students, learning about their cultures and knowing that her work contributes to making them feel safe, accepted, but above all, that they can feel that university is also a second home for them.
At home, Angelica is a dog Mom; she loves long walks with her dogs when the weather allows it. She also likes reading Mangas (stories similar to comics and graphic novels).
Shandra Huntington - Hospitality and Events Coordinator
Shandra was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. In Grade 4, Shandra moved to Halifax and then returned to Saskatoon in her Grade 10 year.
In her role, Shandra loves meeting new people and helping every event meet the Clients Vision. Weddings particularly are near and dear to her as she has 20+ years experience in the wedding industry
At home, Shandra enjoys baking and cooking. In another life she would have loved to gone to Pastry School.
Maica Lomat - Retail Operations Manager
Maica was born and raised in Lucban, a small town in the Philippines. She moved to Saskatoon, SK in 2021 as an international student.
In her role as the Retail Operations Manager for Culinary Services, Maica oversees 12 retail locations in the university which includes 4 non-branded locations and 8 branded locations. She is new to the role but really thrilled to learn more about retail operations.
Maica loves that she is able to work and collaborate with different people, not only in the culinary department but also across the university. She also loves learning about each locations promotions and new products. She looks forward to improving and streamlining processes to improve retail operations.
Away from work, Maica really loves traditional cooking and trying out new recipes. She was a Nutritionist-Dietitian in the Philippines, and is interested in developing new healthy recipes.
Cherrienell Gonzales - Retail Operations Assistant
Cherrienell joins the USask Culinary team from the province of Bulacan, Philippines.
In her role Cherrienell is in charge of overseeing all the staffing concerns and the operations in all the culinary retail locations.