Speaker Bios

(Ordered by Last Name A-Z)

Jessica Burchfield 

R&D Technologist
Barry Callebaut

Jessica has been at Barry Callebaut for over a year. She is responsible for the creation, execution, and evaluation of chocolate, compound, and filling formulas, as well as performing sensory, texture, and quality analysis. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America where she holds degrees in Bakery, Pastry, and Culinary Science.

Alyssa Hess

Alyssa is the candy maker/chocolatier for Newtown Chocolatier. She attended Culinary School in Philadelphia and has worked several classes at Newtown Chocolatiers.

Todd Keeley

Chef Instructor
Pennsylvania College of Technology
e:tkeeley@pct.edu

Todd is a second-generation baker whose career included a director of bakery operations position, in addition to owning a cake decorating facility and two restaurant/café/bakery establishments. After twenty-three years of full-time experience in the food service industry,

Todd turned his attention to preparing the next generation of leaders as an educator at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Todd holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), a doctorate in strategic management, and a black belt certification in innovation engineering. Dr. Keeley’s blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge positions him to teach in both the baking and pastry arts, and business departments at the college.

Charles Niedermyer II

Chef Instructor
Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
www.pct.edu 

Charles is a baking and confectionery professional with over 25 years’ experience.  He’s a Chef Instructor at Pennsylvania College of Technology, teaching baking and pastry arts since 2005.  Charles’ awards include a 2018 Bake Magazine Twenty-five top educator, a 2017 Top Ten Pastry Chef in America by Dessert Professional Magazine, and he holds several awards from Penn College, including a Distinguished Teaching Award.

Niedermyer’s work extends well beyond the campus classroom.  His industry experience includes bakeries, chocolate factories, restaurants, hotels, and dining clubs.  He is an invited presenter teaching at educational conferences all over the country.  Charles leads production at the Kentucky Derby each year where they cook and bake for tens of thousands of guests.  He is a guest instructor for the Department of Food Science at Penn State, lecturing on baking science and product development each year.

Charles has been featured in numerous industry magazines as both a featured chef and author, including Pastry Arts Magazine, Bake Magazine, Kettle Talk, and Dessert Professional Magazine.

Estelle Tracy

Founder, Chocolate Sommelier
37 Chocolates
PO Box 715
Kennett Square, PA 19348
e:estelle@37chocolates.com
p: 610-306-2350

Estelle Tracy is an award-winning food writer and chocolate sommelier based in Kennett Square, PA. Originally from France, she discovered the US bean-to-bar movement in 2015 and has since shared her love for chocolate through over 400 tastings worldwide. Some of her clients include Accenture, Deloitte, and Google. She’s the author of a food survival guide for French people in the US and the founder of 37 Chocolates, a chocolate education company. Find out more at 37chocolates.com.