Chyna Hopkins
Friday 2025-11-07
She is an instructor in CSI's Culinary Arts Program in the Business and Information Systems Department and a proud CSI alum. She earned three degrees from CSI, including Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts, after first starting as a dual credit student in high school.
Her passion for cooking and baking began early, spending time in the kitchen with her mom. During COVID, she launched a cottage bakery and private catering business, which reignited her love for the field. Encouraged by her parents and mentors like Pandora Handley and Jhona Caputo, she returned to CSI to study what she loved and now teaches in the same program she once graduated from.
This semester, she's teaching The Professional Kitchen, Food Sanitation, Food Service Nutrition, and Advanced Entrees & Plate Presentation.
What she enjoys most about teaching at CSI is the community and support she's found on campus.
“There's always someone willing to help or offer advice. That kind of encouragement makes CSI such a special place to be.
”She’s passionate about giving that same support back to her students, keeping her door open, checking in often, and even stocking her office with snacks for those who stop by to chat.
Outside of work, she stays active hiking, camping, and paddle boarding with her mini Australian shepherd/red heeler, Elliot James. She also loves family get-togethers, concerts, and traveling whenever she can.
Her advice to students:“Choose a path you’re passionate about and get involved in the CSI community. There are so many fun events and opportunities waiting for you.”