Tamara Entwistle

As the Food Service Manager at Ava Health, I oversee all aspects of meal planning, preparation, and nutrition for clients in our drug and alcohol treatment program. With a background in culinary arts, food service leadership, and community-based nutrition, I am committed to creating meals that support both physical health and emotional well-being.

I believe deeply in the connection between nutrition and recovery. Nourishment is one of the first ways clients begin rebuilding trust with their bodies—and consistent, healthy meals can bring comfort, stability, and dignity during a time of enormous change. My goal is to provide food that feels like care: balanced, comforting, and made with intention.

Professionally, I bring decades of experience in culinary management, menu development, food safety, and running compassionate, client-centered kitchens. I strive to create a dining environment where clients feel seen and supported, not judged. I show up each day with a calm, steady presence, a sense of humor when it’s needed, and a strong belief that small daily comforts can be a powerful part of healing.

At my core, I am grounded by service—service to people, service to community, and service through food. Working at Ava Health gives me the privilege of contributing to someone’s recovery journey in a way that is humble but meaningful. If I can help even one person feel nourished, safe, and cared for, then I’m doing the work I’m meant to do.