About Us

Franchise Owner

Originally from Prince George Virginia, Diane Rakers Tausig graduated Old Dominion University and spent much of her career working for the U.S. Judiciary in computer systems. After marrying, she & her husband moved to Pennsylvania and then New York until a final work move led them to South Carolina where they raised their two daughters. While her children were young Diane enjoying volunteering at their schools, she cared for ailing family members, enjoyed cooking and watching the many popular baking and cooking shows. Diane is an active parishioner at Stella Maris Catholic Church, a member of the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, the Isle of Palms Exchange Club and 100 Women Who Care Charleston. Diane looks forward to working with partners Kristen Braia & Nancy Whelan sharing this new adventure with the awesome Young Chefs in the Charleston area as they learn the joy and value of cooking. Nancy Whelan, a Boston area native enjoyed a lengthy career as an adult and pediatric critical care nurse as well extending into nurse training and education. In 2010 she and her husband Tim and their two children moved to Charleston and has since, volunteered extensively in her community including her children’s schools, fundraising for the less fortunate, and volunteering within her Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. She enjoys fishing, (trying) to surf, beach walks with her dogs, and taking trips with her family. Her love for cooking started at a very young age helping her Italian grandmother in the kitchen and recently has been fortunate enough to work with an exceptional private chef in the Charleston area who has helped hone her skills. Nancy is excited to partner with Kristen Braia and Diane Tausig and to bring Young Chefs Academy and her love of cooking to all the children in the Charleston area!