Danielle Giusti
Position: Cafeteria Manager
School: Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School
School District: Rumson-Fair Haven High School District
City, State: Rumson, NJ
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Danielle Giusti was nominated by her colleague, Maryanne Furey.
Ms. Giusti runs her school's cafeteria and manages a staff of approximately 20 individuals. She is an innovator when it comes to new and different food ideas. She has joined forces with her school's Work-Based Learning Special Education students to create a café where they sell snacks and drinks. She creates a fantastic annual luncheon for the senior citizens in her community. The cafeteria is the hub of any school, and Ms. Giusti and her team make it a welcoming place and reinforce the sense of community that is very much a part of any successful school.
"We regularly have outstanding meals that are nutritious as well as tasty. A staff favorite is our annual Thanksgiving feast. I am amazed annually by how they pull this all together," said Furey.
Danielle operates her school kitchen and cafeteria enterprise with love. Like any great chef, she loves seeing people enjoy her food and relax in a comfortable atmosphere. She is a wonderful chef and serves freshly made soups and other wholesome choices on a daily basis. There are no words the truly describe Danielle's dedication to our students, staff, and school.
Danielle is so deserving of this nomination. First of all, she is the most skilled chef I know. Her talent with and knowledge of food is endless. Add to that a work ethic that is unsurpassed. She embodies the philosophy of "leading by example" . And her organizational skills and management abilities are of the highest level. Finally, she "nutures" the student body, staff, and her own employees with a passion every day, truly embracing her important vocation of school nutrition. Plus she makes the best soups. Simplified Culinary and Rumson Fair Haven are lucky to have her as the Food Service Director, and I am the luckiest to call her my wife. ????
Danielle es una persona extremadamente profesional; comprometida, responsable, creativa, estricta en la calidad y el cuidado del detalle, líder, exigente y humana. Como ser humano es una hermosa persona; honesta, leal, solidaria, amiga, fuerte y comprometida con su comunidad.
Apoyo la nominación de Danielle por todo lo anterior, una persona integra, completa y entregada.
Danie, what can I say - is a force to contend with. She is an outstanding, remarkable individual who dedicates herself entirely and wholeheartedly to helping others - whether it is at her school, in her community, her family and friends as well as to her nonprofit initiative in Mexico. She is a role model for sure not just for students but for anyone who has the pleasure of knowing Danie. I am amazed at her accomplishments and stamina.
I am not surprised reading all the accolades, comments and support for Danie as they are spot on - innovator beyond her years, promoter of health and nutrition, kind, caring, a motivator and doer. When she sets her mind on something, she is unstoppable!!
She is my role model and I’m her stepmom!
She is truly a changer of lives and very deserving of this award.
You're doing great things Danielle! Keep up the good work!
Danielle has been serving up some of the most delicious food in our school for years. In addition to her ability to create fantastic meals and manage a school cafeteria, Danielle does non-profit work in other countries providing meals for the less fortunate. She is truly a great person who uses her talent to help others.
Danielle, aka my mom, works tirelessly to accommodate dietary needs, introduce creative and healthy menu options, and make meal times enjoyable for all students at RFH. The pride she has for her work is evident in the way she speaks about the options and programs she’s implemented in her many years working there. Even in her time off she’s dedicated to a nonprofit in Mexico where she continues to provide amazing meals to children. Im proud to call her mom and love that she’s receiving the accolades she deserves!
Danie is a big sister to me. Always has a positive outlook on life and will guide you to do the same. Danie has a sensible answer to all weird questions I ask for guidance! One of the best mentors I look up too. She changed my life for the positive the 1st time we met. Amazing cook too by the way! Danie deserves this award in my eyes.
Danie is the true embodiment of a Life Changer! It does not surprise me that she has been chosen for this incredible award. Not only does she promote the health and nutrition of her student body, she also dedicates herself wholeheartedly to improving the lives of those less fortunate. The Special Needs cafe she has set up in her school cafeteria gives those, who are employed there, a real sense of community. Danie's non-profit in Mexico has fed thousands of meals to local children who would otherwise not have the opportunity for such nutrition. I have seen, first-hand, both of these endeavors truly change the lives of those that are lucky enough to benefit from Danie's tireless efforts. She is a woman of action and I am inspired by her work constantly. Not a just Life changer, but a changer of LIVES!
Daniel deserves this award and so many more! Her dedication to to her job, living healthy and teaching others those important life skills truly are changing our environment for the better. I am honored to call her my friend.
I have known Danie for 33 years and am so lucky for her friendship. She is a very kind and caring person.
Danie wants all children and staff to have the best food available to them with as much variety as possible. She makes sure everything prepared is made with only organic ingredients. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is completely satisfied. She not only works during the school day, but continues to work at home to make sure menus are created and orders are complete. She provides a great service to all staff and children.
RFH is very fortunate to have Danie working there and I would choose no other person for this award.
Dani is a fantastic role model to all of the young adults in school as well as the school she volunteers at in Mexico. She is a go getter and will take the shirt off of her back to help others, always putting others before herself. She teaches organization, cleanliness and nutrition to her staff and delivers healthy meals to her students. The work she does with underprivileged youth in Mexico is outstanding and recognized in the Mexican community. She truly is a life changer in so many ways. Please consider Dani for this fantastic award!
Danielle is a creative and enthusiastic chef! I truly appreciate her cooking. Not only that, but she is generous with her time and talents! She is indeed a life changing person for those of us who are privileged to know her!
I have known Danielle for over 30 years. I just recently joined her staff in the RFH cafeteria and I am blown away by what is prepared in her kitchen. She’s always been a great cook but the food at RFH isn’t your basic cafeteria food. Her food is always made fresh and tasty. The baked goods are homemade and delicious! Danielle definitely deserves the recognition for the work she puts into the food she and the staff make daily.
I am pleased to recommend Danielle, who has been an outstanding chef at Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School for several years. Danielle is a talented and dedicated culinary professional who consistently delivers high-quality meals for both students and staff, while promoting healthy eating and food education. Her ability to create nutritious, delicious, and student-friendly menus is a testament to her creativity and expertise. Beyond her culinary skills, Danielle serves as a positive role model, teaching students valuable kitchen skills and fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility in the kitchen. Her passion for both cooking and education makes her an invaluable asset to our school community.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Barnaskas
Sales Executive
Baldor Specially Foods
Danielle is innovative, creative and a tireless worker who makes a difference in all endeavors. She is a joy to know!
I know firsthand what a great cook AND great person Danie is. She deserves this award.
Danielle is welcoming and has always catered to the individual needs and requests of the students and staff. She creates nutritious and healthy options for any diet. We are so lucky to have so many delicious options to choose from daily.
Danielle embodies the spirit of a true LifeChanger. With her unwavering advocacy, she not only ensures that students are served delicious meals but also creates an inclusive environment for both her employees and our students. Her food is a highlight for our students and a key selling point when I speak with prospective families. I do not know of any high school cafeteria that matches the quality of food she provides. Danielle works with our students to help them develop essential life skills, and has even hired graduates who have gone on to become successful employees. She contributes significantly to making our school a better place for everyone!
Danielle supports the efforts of our Special Services department by running our “Dawg Den.” The Dawg Den promotes inclusion, social opportunities, and work-based experiences for our students transitioning to adulthood. Danielle is vital in the success of this program and we are so grateful to have her.
I have known Danielle for 23 years, and I am happy to call her a good friend. As a full time employee at Rumson-Fair Haven HS, I was in constant contact with her in my capacity as the Security Officer. Danielle has never wavered in her commitment to serving the Staff and Students at RFH delicious, nutritious, and an always expanding choice of meals. I can honestly say that there is not a lazy bone in her body. She, and her dedicated staff keep a well organized and sanitary kitchen, much to the delight of all in the school, and always with a smile. Danielle is also a very generous individual, and I can say from experience that she has helped others in need in the school with meals, and words of encouragement. She, as far as I, and many others who know her, is most worthy of any and all accolades bestowed upon her.
As I have been working at RFH for the past 15 years, a continual highlight of our school is Danielle's cafeteria. I never thought I'd be excited to receive a monthly menu from our high school cafeteria, but it is a must read and is posted on my office door. Danielle supports her staff and encourages everyone to make suggestions to provide healthy, balanced and delicious meals for our students and staff. It feels like a friendly neighborhood restaurant that you want to keep going back to--for the people and especially the food. Keep up the amazing work!
I personally know how much time and effort Ms. Giusti puts into providing high quality, healthy meals for the students and teachers of RFHS. The soups are all homemade daily from fresh ingredients and the meals are restaurant quality. In her spare time she works tirelessly to provide cost free meals for those in need. She truly is special and deserving of this nomination.
Danielle and her staff are fantastic! I am always met with a smile! The food is absolutely delicious and a great variety of food. From hot meals, ala carte, sandwiches, parfaits, to other nutritious snacks they have it all! Keep up the great work and those hot meals!!!!
Danie, is one of the very best people I know. She deserves every accolade and more besides.
She is fabulous.
Danielle and her staff make delicious food, with organic ingredients when possible, also many baked goods from scratch. Danielle’s makes a variety of homemade soups that are fantastic! She will also create alternative options for students or staff who have allergies or restrictions.
Danielles’ impeccable organizational skills and precise attention to detail are to be commended.
I have friends whose children have graduated from RFH and gone on to various prestigious universities.
They all report back that they miss the food at RFH.
And they are paying $8,000 per year for their meal plans.
Danielle has been a tremendous supervisor/friend to my son who has autism. He has worked for her for 7 years and has helped manage his challenges in the work place with kindness and understanding. She has been an advocate for him as well as help spread awareness for the autism community. She has also had a positive impact on him making smart choices with food and nutrition.
I have known Danielle for seven plus years. Danielle was instrumental in hiring my son who has autism, when he completed high school. He has been employed by Culinary Food Services for 7 years. Thank you Danielle
I am incredibly grateful to have such an amazing, hard-working staff.
It is our pleasure to serve the Rumson Fair Haven high school community. We love what we do, and we hope you can taste it! ??????
Danielle's food is wonderful. She provides tasty and delicious food!
As a fellow manager with the company, I have worked with Danielle on and off for the last 3 years. The vision she has achieved with the food service at Rumson Fair Haven High School has far surpassed what anyone would imagine when it comes to a school cafeteria. She has truly put her heart and soul into the program to make it the absolute best it can be from the options available to the quality of the food. She is constantly challenging herself and her employees to do the best they can with the highest of standards. She truly cares about what she does, the students, and her staff.
Danielle began her career here at RFH about 25 years ago. She was here approximately three years before we decided to privatize our cafeteria. Danielle has been the co-director and chef of our high school's cafeteria since. From her daily home-made soups and entrees to her pastries and desserts, I challenge any cafeteria or restaurant to prepare the foods she offers to students and staff every day. Most importantly, she truly cares about the students we serve. Her goal has always been to serve students wholesome and tasty food in a peaceful, friendly environment. She succeeds at this goal every day.
Danielle is the BEST !!! Her love and passion for food is priceless and we all benefit from this.
I have been lucky enough to work for Danielle for 8 years. She has created an enjoyable work environment along with amazing food that always pleases.
Danielle is a good manager. She creates delicious meals with the freshest ingredients!
Danielle is a very good & compassionate manager. She not only cooks with experience she cooks with her heart & soul.
Danielle creates a family atmosphere where are the students and faculty feel welcome. Danielle and her team go out of their way to get to know students/faculty which reinforces the sense of school community. Truly a pleasure to work with her.
Danielle is a wonderful manager and she is a pleasure to work with. She makes sure everyone is happy!
Danielle Giusti is absolutely a wonderful person and a wonderful chef. She is so creative with how healthy the lunches are for all the students and staff members. She is always using the most fresh and organic ingredients that she can find. If any children have an allergies she can accommodate them as well. All the students and staff love and appreciate her. She puts her heart and soul into everything that she does
Danielle is a manager who is dedicated to serving great homemade meals in a cafeteria that shines! I have worked with Danielle for 20 years. She not only runs an outstanding food program,
she also is a manager who listens to her staff with compassion and respect.
