The Cress Team

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  Hari Pulapaka: Executive Chef & Co-Owner
  Hari was born and raised in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai (formerly, Bombay). He came to the United States in 1987 to pursue graduate studies in Mathematics. Today, Hari is a classically trained James Beard nominated Chef as well as an active tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University. Hari teaches full-time at Stetson University during the day and returns to the kitchen at Cress at night. More...

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  Jenneffer Pulapaka: General Manager & Co-Owner
  Jenneffer is a social entrepreneur and champion of global cuisine. She was born and raised in Orlando, but she spent many months in Europe and Asia, which influenced her understanding of global foods. Today, Jenneffer is a podiatric surgeon with her own private practice (The Deland Foot and Leg Center) and also manages Cress. More...

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  Melanie Perryman: Sous-Chef
  Melanie is a native Floridian and long time resident of DeLand. Prior to entering the culinary field, Melanie focused her attention on family and enriching the community through volunteerism through the Junior Service League and her involvement with the Cultural Arts Center and the events surrounding its member organizations; The Museum of Florida Art, DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, The Krewe Of Amalee, The Sands Theater Center, The Athens Wine Festival and Auction, and the Athens Theatre Restoration Project.
  
  After encouraging her children to follow their dreams and study what they love, she decided it was time to take her own advice and entered the Culinary Arts Program at Daytona State College. Recently, she competed and was awarded the pleasure of creating the menu for the Daytona International Speedway’s Rolex 24 Grand Marshall’s dinner. Having always been passionate about cuisine, becoming a restaurant chef is the realization of a lifelong dream.
  
  She and her husband Frank attended DeLand High School together, have been married for over twenty five years and love their home in DeLand.

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  Stephanie Shea: Lead Server
  Stephanie started at Cress as a server in August 2009 with over 20 years experience in the Food and Beverage business. As a recent transplant to DeLand and an ardent foodie, Cress has proven to be a perfect fit. It has been a highlight to work alongside the culinary talents of Chef Hari.
  
  Stephanie is originally from Kansas City, MO. She moved to DeLand in 2009 and she loves her new hometown. Her four young boys are also enjoying all DeLand has to offer. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and remodeling. In addition to working at Cress, Stephanie owns a design and staging business for homes on the market called REdesign.

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  Sean Henderson: Lead Server, Prep Cook
  Sean Henderson was born in New York but has lived in Florida for 38 years. He first became interested in the restaurant business 12 years ago when he started working as a server in a catering business. Today he is a Café Manager by day and a Server, here at Cress at nights. He also enjoys learning the joy of cooking from Chef Hari whenever he can. He has been married for 11 years and has 4 children, Shelby 19, Seth 17, Sloan 10 and Slade 8. He currently resides in Orange City, FL.

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  Robert Love: Prep Cook
  Robert is originally from Lyons, Georgia. He moved to Florida in 2000 and worked in the electrical field for six years before joining the United States Army in 2009. After completing his first tour in Iraq in March of 2011 he decided to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando. Robert resides in Pierson, Florida along with his wife, Amanda, and daughter, Karlie.