Kim Davaz ~ Kim has been teaching for Pepperberries since it was Cookin’ on Broadway. She loves to eat all kinds of foodstuff, though some cuisines she’d rather have someone else cook (intensive-chopping Chinese comes to mind). There are real challenges in cooking for today. Kim regularly feeds a family that includes two vegetarians, some hard-core carnivores and two small children. Coming up with a dinner that pleases everyone can be difficult. Her favorite classes to teach are baking and menus for meals that are delicious but not fussy. The kinds of dinners that are good enough for company but easy enough for every day. In her spare time, she reviews cookbooks for the Register-Guard.

Mary Minor Diehl ~ Did you know that Mary ran her husband’s pediatric office, as well as two different delicatessens, the most infamous being "Munchies" in Norman, Oklahoma? This took place during the days of hip hugger jeans and halter tops, which was their uniform. Mary has been teaching at Pepperberries for over a decade. She presents a broad array of food types, specializing in well-made, wonderful tasting food that is easy to prepare, because "Life is just too busy!"

Vickie Hamory ~ Vickie loves to play around with her food and would rather make up recipes consisting of what is in the pantry than spend one more minute at the grocery store. Her new cookbook "A Forty Year Collection" is missing one thing: anything starting with the word "congealed." Vickie has been teaching at Pepperberries for the past 10 years. Her extensive culinary training in Italy and Japan make her catering and cooking school (Savorys) in Albuquerque, New Mexico a local favorite. When asked if she has any hobbies, she says "You bet!" (hand painting one of a kind canvas rugs, mosaic stained glass and mowing the lawn.) "I cook a lot of things in my head while mowing the lawn." Her words of wisdom are "Teach your kids to cook!"

Gayle Jolley ~ Gayle is as passionate about great food as a painter is of color. For over 20 years, she has artfully presented classes on Italian, French, Spanish, Mexican, Thai and Indian cuisine. She is the founder of "In Good Taste," has owned and managed her own catering service and served as catering director for the Heathman Hotel, The Kimpton Group’s Vintage Plaza and Pazzo Ristorante. Gayle teaches with flourish!

Bill McCallum ~ Bill is no stranger to the world of food. His tutelage began at the Shilo Ranch House. Soon, Bill found himself as the head chef at the Tree House Restaurant in the early 80’s, an establishment known for elegant evenings. Bill is passionate about wonderful, rich foods and the developing of new recipes to tempt the palate. He is currently owner of Billy Mac’s as well as a catering business.

Thom Pastor ~ Thom loves breakfast! When asked what his specialty is, he simply replies, "Eggs." However, this egg coinsurer has a long list of credits to his name. Having graduated from The Culinary Institute of America among the top in his class, he found time to complete an externship at Chef Norman Van Aken’s original Coral Gables location. While in Coral Gables, Thom was chosen to cook with Chef Norman and Emeril Lagasse at a dinner honoring Chef Ferran Adria. More recently, Thom has prepared weekend brunches at King Estate and is currently a sous chef at Market of Choice.

Karen Reid ~ Karen has had a passionate love of cooking and good food since her childhood, where she got a solid grounding in cooking techniques from her mother. As an adult raising a family, her repertoire expanded to include many cuisines and hundreds of recipes, including Asian, Mexican, French and American comfort foods, all of which she has taught at Pepperberries. Her philosophy is "Life is too short to eat processed food." She loves to pass on to her students her many technique tips to show how cooking healthy, delicious meals at home can be easy and enjoyable. A special treat in some of Karen’s classes is the assistance of her husband, Tom, who acts as "breadmaster", "grillmaster" and "steammaster", depending on the class. Tom adds his own special knowledge of these techniques to the fun and information of Karen’s classes.

Tom Reid ~ Tom has been happy to be a grillmaster, breadmaster and steam master for his wife, Karen for the past 30+ years, as she thrives on being the household chef. He and Karen have taught classes together at Pepperberries since 2003. With his educational training as a chemist and his love of good food and drink, he has developed over the year’s excellent technique for grilling a multitude of foods, and he loves working with yeast, which explains his penchant for fine bread-making and beer making. Tom also "mans" the Chinese steamer when dim sum are being prepared. Tom has an engaging teaching style that entertains students while informing them.

Ann Schar ~ Ann is no stranger to the Eugene area, being a fifth generation resident. No only does she have a local heritage, but Ann has a culinary legacy as well. She hails from generations of "good cooks." She began pursuing her desire to be in the kitchen at a young age, often joining her Grandmother. Soon, she became the family bread baker. Ann takes much delight in treating her guests to not only wonderful foods, but also extra special touches in the way things are prepared and presented. When asked to describe herself, she says she is a "passionate cook."

Evie Taylor ~ Evie began baking with her grandmother and cooking with her mom as a child, but never thought to pursue it as a career.  After graduating from college with a BA in Political Science/International Relations, Evie worked as a student advisor for a number of years.  Eventually, she tired of the desk job and had the opportunity to attend culinary school while living in Hawaii.  She has baked in different environments – everything from large scale baking productions, to catering prep cook.