Featured Staff – Gage Deere

            As I’m sure you are aware, there is a new staff member in the kitchen.  You’ve probably seen him around and may have even visited with him.  Gage Deere came on staff as the Dietary Manager in April.  Below is a brief biography so that you can get to know Gage a little bit better.

Gage was born in Leavenworth, KS, to Klint and Karis Deere.  He is the oldest of three children. His sister is 21 and his brother is 12.  When Gage was seven, his family moved to Omaha, NE.  His parents, a former parole officer and a pre-school teacher, went to work at Boy’s Town.  After being there for three or four years, they started their own group home in San Diego, CA.  Gage loved California, especially Christmas at the beach and getting to go to Mexico.

When Gage was in seventh grade, his family moved to Topeka, KS, and started another group home.  Gage grew up with ten boys in residence.  He attended Washburn Rural High School.  He wrestled and played football both in high school.  When Gage graduated in 2008, he attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM.  He was majoring in Special Education.   He was looking to be a Special Ed teacher.  However, after three years, Gage felt that teaching wasn’t for him.

He moved to Texas, where his parents had relocated.  They were now personal chefs.  Gage’s entire family loved cooking and he started cooking as a child.  Gage remained in Texas about a year before the Midwest called to him.  He relocated to Kansas City and went to work for the KC Food Truck  Assn.  He also coached wrestling at Shawnee Mission High School.

Gage has remained in the food industry ever since.  He worked for Grandma’s Catering for a while before going to work at Cerner, where he was a chef.  He was in charge of cooking for 600-1,200 people daily.  Ready for a different pace, Gage applied at Westbrook and we are happy to have him on staff.

Gage is a single father to his three year old son, Cael.  He says watching him grow and learn about the world around him is the best part of being a dad.  However, he’s not a fan of the occasional temper tantrums and having to clean the house on a daily basis.   He loves to play catch with Cael and take him swimming.

Gage is an avid KC Chiefs and KC Royals fan.  He enjoys coaching wrestling, though he is not currently coaching. He also enjoys spending time outside.  His favorite food is beef tacos with refried beans. (New Mexico got to him with the green chilies and all the good food down there). His favorite movie is “No Country for Old Men”.  His favorite band is Incubus. (This is a rock band for those of you who are unfamiliar with them.)  His favorite color is dark green and his favorite place to go is Penguin Park.

Gage loves the family atmosphere at Westbrook.  He’s enjoyed getting to meet the different residents and looks forward to getting to know them better. His passion is making people smile by feeding them.