Meet Chef Will

The Heart Behind Our Safe Seat at the Table

One of the most emotional parts of creating this retreat has been finding people who truly understand why safe dining matters.

When I first began sharing the vision for A Safe Seat at the Table, I knew this retreat could never just be about beautiful views or a beach weekend. The food had to feel safe. The experience had to feel safe. The women coming here needed to be able to finally sit down, breathe deeply, and trust the people preparing their meals.

That’s where Chef Will at the Sheraton Sand Key became such an important part of this journey.

From the very beginning, Chef Will listened with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. He understood that this wasn’t simply about preferences or trends — it was about creating an environment where women living with Alpha-Gal and other food sensitivities could finally feel understood without explanation.

Together, we’ve had thoughtful conversations about cross-contamination, ingredients, preparation methods, safe dining practices, and the emotional impact food anxiety can have on someone’s life. What stood out to me most was not just his culinary knowledge, but his willingness to truly listen.

That matters more than people realize.

For so many women attending this retreat, eating out has often meant fear, hypervigilance, embarrassment, or isolation. Many of us know what it feels like to scan every menu, question every ingredient, or quietly avoid situations altogether because it simply feels easier than explaining ourselves again.

This retreat is about changing that experience.

Chef Will is helping us create meals that are intentionally prepared with care so women can focus less on fear and more on connection, sunsets, healing conversations, laughter, and the simple joy of gathering around a table together.

Throughout the weekend, our meals are designed to become part of the experience itself — nourishing, welcoming, comforting, and safe.

And honestly… that emotional safety is one of the greatest gifts we can offer each other.

I’m incredibly grateful for Chef Will and the Sheraton Sand Key team for saying “yes” to this vision and helping us create something that feels bigger than a retreat.

This is the beginning of a movement toward understanding, hospitality, and truly inclusive dining experiences.

Good food. Real connection. Deep breaths.

This is what A Safe Seat at the Table is all about. 🤍