ERICA KAMMER
Program Director
Erica Gibson Kammer is the Program Director for Rise and Shine Bakery. Erica received her degree from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and has worked for non-profits in the workforce development arena for over 25 years. A native of Baltimore, Erica is passionate about investing in people, supporting career development, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.Before joining Rise and Shine, Erica served as Director of Workforce Development, Outreach and the Community Choice Food Pantry at the Community Assistance Network. Prior to that she led a workforce development program at the non-profit, Humanim. In her free time, Erica enjoys gardening, decorating, boating and spending time with her new grandson, Jackson, and her mini-schnauzer, Chance.
Sasha Brandalyn Acree
Baking Instructor
Sasha is a classically trained pastry chef. She is a 2nd generation pastry chef. Her father, an executive chef, started as a pastry chef 39 years ago.Sasha credits her father, her mother, her grandmother and her chef professors with her extensive skills and creative style. She has been baking her whole life and loves researching and exploring new recipes.She has two degrees, a Bachelors in film and television production from Delaware State University and an Associate degree in baking and classical pastry creations from Stratford University.Sasha has been in the business for nine years. She has two signature dishes: lemon meringue pie which she has been perfecting since she was 17 and a triple chocolate cake.Sasha has appeared on The Today show sharing her family's signature dish of Death by Chocolate which was created by her father as a young chef in New York city.During her career Sasha has trained many budding bakers who have gone on to successful careers in this industry. Sasha has also run a successful home baking business.Before joining Rise and Shine, Sasha worked as a baker/pastry chef at Loyola University, the Horseshoe Casino, and a Cake decorator at Catering by Uptown. She is also an accomplished chocolatier.
In Sasha's spare time she bakes with her children, crochets, and travels internationally researching pastry recipes and styles.
In Sasha's spare time she bakes with her children, crochets, and travels internationally researching pastry recipes and styles.