History
Founded in 1997, Community Culinary School of Charlotte began its mission in a single-room of an unfinished warehouse with just two students. CCSC’s dedication to serving the Charlotte community has grown into a legacy that spans over 25 years. Since our founding, that single office space has expanded into six offices, a conference room, and a fully-equipped kitchen to serve our classes of 20+ students offered three times a year. We continue to provide workforce development training and job placement assistance in the food service industry for adults who face barriers to long-term successful employment.
Our Staff
Ron Ahlert
Executive Director
Chef Ron began his career in the food industry at the age of sixteen as an apprentice in a country club. He went on to receive formal training at The New York Restaurant School. Chef Ron honed his skills in the kitchen of some of New York City and Paris’ finest restaurants. After years as an Executive Chef for a large food corporation in North Carolina, he began looking for a new challenge and found it at the Community Culinary School of Charlotte. Chef Ron spent six years as the Chef Instructor before being named the Executive Director in 2006.
Alvin Howard
Culinary Director
Chef Alvin came to the School in 2012 as a volunteer and in 2015, joined our staff as a Chef Instructor. Chef Alvin has always enjoyed helping youth, whether at CCSC or at the Central Church of God, where he preps meals. He started his culinary training at Central Piedmont Community College. He applied his training at restaurants such as Morais and Rustique, cooking classical French cuisine. Prior to joining CCSC, Alvin launched his own catering business - Grassroots Catering, and was part owner of Southern Comfort Barbeque and Soul. He currently serves as a member of the Piedmont Culinary Guild as well. As a Chef Instructor, Alvin is fulfilled when he sees “the light come on for students” as they progress through their training and get excited knowing they can do it!
anthony watkins
chef instructor / alumna
Anthony was a graduate of Class 5, and spent 15 years working at the Capital Grille, starting as a prep cook and working his way up to Executive Chef. He is passionate about teaching and passing along his knowledge, and that’s why he came back to CCSC. He is excited to share the joy he gets from the science and education of food with the students that pass through our doors. A fun fact about Anthony is that the loves of his life are his 3 children and 3 grandchildren!
Sharon Watkins
BAKERY INSTRUCTOR / alumna
Sharon was born and raised in Charlotte. She has a banking background, but baking has always been her dream. When COVID happened, and she was laid off from banking, she was determined to go back to baking and make it work. With over 20 years of baking experience, it’s where her heart is. Sharon graduated from Class 66 in November 2020 and has been working with CCSC ever since. She became a Culinary Instructor in training in 2022. She enjoys teaching the students and is always happy to talk about the School and share its mission to potential students.
Bonnie O'Rourke
Comptroller
Bonnie has been the Bookkeeper at CCSC since 2001, but she also assists with grant writing and development activities. Bonnie has a BA in Marketing from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. Originally from New Jersey, she has lived in Charlotte since 1997 and is proud to be a part of CCSC, helping folks change their lives and live their dream. Outside of the School, Bonnie is passionate about helping animals live better lives. As a volunteer dog trainer for the New Leash on Life Program, she coordinates temporary placement of rescue dogs with prisoners in Gaston County Jail, and coaches them through the training process to prepare the dogs for adoption. Bonnie also volunteers for Coalition to Unchain Dogs - building fences for dogs that live outside on chains, and transporting dogs to and from their spay/neuter appointments. She currently volunteers with Humane Society delivering hay in the winter and tarps in the summer to dogs that live outside.
Karen Turk
Development Director
Karen is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts and has made her way down the east coast by way of NYC, Washington DC and Durham, NC before settling in Charlotte in 1990. She graduated from George Washington University with a BBA in Finance and from Duke University with a master’s in Healthcare Administration. She brings extensive experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. When not at work, Karen enjoys cooking, baking, needlepoint, and playing mahjong and canasta.
peyton dayvault
marketing coordinator
Originally from South Carolina, Peyton has lived in North Carolina since her time at Appalachian State University. She graduated with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Non-Profit Organizations at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and moved to Charlotte shortly after. In 2024, she received her MBA with a concentration in Digital Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her passion is working with non-profits and helping those in need in the community. When she's not working, you can find her reading or hanging out with her two pugs.
shannon martin
cafe extraordinaire / alumna
Shannon is originally from Rural Hall, NC, and has lived in Charlotte since 1997. She holds a BA in English from UNCG. She was the Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Directors at Junior Achievement of the Central Carolinas from 1998-2006, and stepped away from full-time employment when her son was born. Shannon dined at CCSC for a number of years and, after having her husband and son home during the pandemic, is a proud graduate of Class 67 in April 2021. She continues virtual work for Athena Consultants, Inc. in Charlotte.
charlotte rodriguez
cafe staff
Charlotte Rodriguez is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and is the mother of two teenage boys. Charlotte is also an exhibiting artist and has shown her work in the Charlotte area for the last 25 years. She earned an M.F.A. Degree with a concentration in Painting from Winthrop University in 2008. She is also an accomplished teacher having taught as a Fine Arts Professor at UNC Charlotte, Winthrop University, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and privately.