Meet The Young Chefs Academy Team
Corporate team made up of industry professionals who are longtime collaborators
Young Chefs Academy franchise owners love the family aspect of the business. They get that from the corporate team, a group of experts with more than 130 years of combined experience in franchising whose driving passion every day is to help each franchise owner succeed. Ready to meet them?
Julie Burleson
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Julie owned and operated two culinary businesses before launching the Young Chefs Academy model and setting out to build a franchise network dedicated to teaching children the joy and value of cooking. Julie is the recipient of a Best Feasibility Plan award from Baylor University’s John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and is a member of the International Franchise Association.
Shelly Young
Vice President of Marketing
Shelly has more than 20 years’ experience in a variety of franchise industry roles, with an emphasis on integrated marketing solutions, national marketing initiatives, graphic development and design.
Jamie Skinner
Vice President of Franchise Operations
Jamie brings two decades of experience as she works hand-in-hand with franchise owners, supporting them in the successful implementation of operational policies and procedures so they can achieve maximum profitability.
Rachel Solano
Curriculum Coordinator
Rachel began her professional career as a lead supervisor and corporate trainer. Over the past 10 years, Rachel has combined a passion for cooking with her background as chef instructor and manager. Her love for cooking began at an early age as she learned how to make healthy homemade recipes with her mom. Rachel understands the value in knowing how to cook and believes that it is vital for kids to have opportunities to gain culinary skills in a happy and supportive environment.
Charles Burleson
Director of Technology
Charles has worked in corporate IT management for more than 20 years. He has led technology-integration projects in a wide range of areas, including corporate networks, midrange-desktop applications and web-based business systems. His certifications include CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.
