Meet the Team
The Secret Sauce
Our people are the heart of our company. We are warm, generous, caring, wholehearted, trustworthy, fun, hospitable people of integrity. Our team is a family. We take initiative and create connection. We embrace opportunities with creativity and flexibility and own our role in the family. Our clients receive inviting food experiences that feed the soul. We are easy to work with, strive to exceed expectations, and add immeasurable value to their gatherings.
whitney fredin
Ever since I watched the scene in “The Parent Trap” where the twins recreate their parents’ first dinner at an Italian restaurant, I’ve been obsessed with creating a mood where time stops. Connecting people and delicious food is an absolute dream job. It is my greatest privilege to turn YOUR celebration with family and friends into something unforgettable.
JESSICA SEPPA
SALES + OPERATIONS MANAGER
One of my oldest memories is eating PB&J sandwiches and a cold glass of milk everyday with my grandma. As a mother of 3, dog mother of 4, and wife of 24 years, my house feels like a circus, but I hope my family will always carry with them memories of making connections around the table. I'm a messy cook, but that means it's made with love, right?
I love sour candy, ice cream, reading and I’m a podcast junkie. My secret skill is buying really nice plants and killing them, even though I always say, “I know I can keep this one alive.”
Being outside in nature refreshes my soul. I enjoy going to the hot springs, planting flowers (I can keep the outside ones alive, ha!), drinking my coffee on the patio, and listening to the birds sing.
It makes my heart happy to work with our clients, share with them my love of food, and help them make memories that exceed their expectations.
DEANNA HENDRICKSON
CHEF + KITCHEN MANAGER
With over 18 years of experience in the industry, I have been through four restaurant openings, learned from Michelin-starred chefs, worked in five-star restaurants and run a kitchen solo for over a year. I feel that all of my experience has lead me to where I am today and I couldn't be happier! Cooking for people and entertaining are my love language. I live to watch clients' faces light up when food is presented to them. I have two sons and a loving husband who keep me on my toes and we are always on the go. I love being in nature and when I get a chance to relax, you can find me enjoying the view from a hot spring while listening to my favorite podcast. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us here at Whitney Fredin Events!
AALISA ERPENBACH
SOUS CHEF
Aalisa comes to us with years of professional kitchen experience, most recently working in large quantity, from-scratch cooking for schools. She grew up in the Treasure Valley and graduated from Renaissance High School’s Culinary Program. Aalisa enjoys the outdoors, coming up with new recipes, and knows the words to almost every 90s rock song.
Tailer Gorbet
SOUS CHEF
Tailer Gorbet comes to WFE with more than 14 years of kitchen experience. From high end French to food truck openings, gourmet sandwiches and seafood to pizza, Tailer has done it all. Her love of cooking started at her Grandmother’s table, making pies with homegrown fruit. Tailer brings an eye for detail and obsession with getting things right - she has been known to make a recipe multiple times to get it “just so”, and we love her for it! When she’s not in the kitchen, Tailer loves to be outdoors. Born and raised in Horseshoe Bend, Tailer has spent her life rafting, kayaking, biking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and fishing. An avid photographer, Tailer is the eye behind a lot of our product photography at WFE. She’s our #1 hugger and brings spice to everything she creates.
Valerie Ollada
Event Coordinator
My foodservice career started when I chose to work at the Pizza Hut in Target because I hated folding clothes. I didn’t grow up wanting to be part of the food industry or had any aspirations to become a Chef, but I fell in love with how every kitchen has its own life and character. I got a job as a cashier for Bon Appetit Management Company, working at a Biotech campus, and worked my way up to General Manager. What started as a job to earn money became a career I worked in for close to a decade. I’ve worn many hats in the kitchen, worked side by side with the best chefs and experienced many amazing things in this industry. Food can do more than feed your stomach, but can tell stories and express love. Food really is art.
I’m a new Idaho resident and was not only drawn by Idaho’s natural beauty but by the people of Idaho. I’m really grateful to be part of the Whitney Fredin Catering + Events team and so blessed to serve the people of the Treasure Valley. Being part of a person’s special occasion, whether that's a wedding, birthday, or graduation, is a privilege and honor. I’m looking forward to building new relationships with our clients and delivering the Whitney Fredin Magic to any event.
