Meet the Team
Athenaeum Staff 2025

Priya Junnar
Acting Director
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked as director of Athenaeum since August 2014. I took a break starting in Fall 2023 but came back as acting director in January 2025.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I really appreciate being part of a dynamic learning community at the Athenaeum. I feel like I am always learning, not only from the speakers, but also from the students’ incisive questions during the Q & A.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In addition to outdoorsy activities, I try to spend as much free time as possible trying to outsmart a lump of clay on a pottery wheel!

Byron Figueroa
Administrative Coordinator
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked at the Ath since April 2011, but have been in my current role since March 2023.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I love the teamwork that happens here to make some truly memorable events.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and attempting to teach my chihuahua new tricks.

Ashley Carlson
Manager
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked at the Ath since May 2023.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I love the dynamic nature of the space. No two days are the same! I love being part of an environment that blends hospitality, intellectual programming, and community.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family.

Chito Rodriquez
Executive Chef
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have been here since June 2022.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I love working with the crew to create delicious meals for the students and am excited about the chance to continue doing the same for them as alumni.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences as a chef—cooking for celebrities and their families, preparing meals for the President, and even working at events like the Super Bowl and Miami Art Basel. But at the end of the day, it’s all about cooking amazing food for my family, breaking bread together, and enjoying the day with some good wine.

Juan Herrera
Pastry Chef
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked at the Ath since August 2003!
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I enjoy working with the students the most at the Ath.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to mountain bike and enjoy watching soccer. Not to mention food!

Angela Fitch
Assistant Cook
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked at the Ath since November 2006.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I enjoy working as a team with all of my co-workers.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy shopping and unwinding with a nice glass of wine.

Joe Lauer
Cook II
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I've been at the Ath since August 2017.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I enjoy the food and teaching students how to work in the kitchen.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy trips Los Olivos and sipping wine while eating charcuterie.

Miguel Orozco
Kitchen Utility Worker
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I've worked at the Ath since April 2022.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I enjoy learning new things and working with the students.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like drawing and creating art.

Barbara Gomez
Cook I
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I've worked at CMC since 2018 but have been at the Ath since September 2023.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I enjoy the sense of community we have built at the ath. We have fun every day!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel and enjoy trying new foods.

Theo
CMC Mascot
How long have you worked at the Ath?
I have worked at the Ath since the Fall of 2017 since I was 8 weeks old.
What do you enjoy most about your job at the Ath?
I love saying hi to admissions tours and students, especially at Ath tea!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love collecting and chasing tennis balls!