Behind the scenes at Mychal’s Bakery, Chris works with purpose, enthusiasm, and focus. A Manhattan Beach native with a love for dinosaurs and sci-fi movies, Chris has been part of the Mychal’s community for a long time. He joined our Path to Independence program when it first opened in 2013 and began volunteering in the bakery in 2016, where he’s become a familiar and much-loved presence.
Chris takes his work seriously, and it shows. His favorite thing to make is blueberry muffins, though chocolate chip muffins are a close second. He enjoys the rhythm of baking, from reading recipe ingredients to carefully measuring and following each step. Listening to movies in his headphones, especially the Star Wars series, helps him stay focused while he works, and his calm determination sets the tone in the kitchen.
Over the years, Chris has built a wide range of skills through his time at Mychal’s. According to his mom, Tracy, “He has learned many independent living skills,” including laundry, menu planning, and grocery shopping. In the bakery, he has learned “to read recipe ingredients, understand and make the proper measurements, and follow the recipe directions including using an oven, and then how to properly clean up.” These are skills that matter, not just in a bakery, but in almost any workplace.
One of the most meaningful parts of Chris’s journey is how confidently he applies what he’s learned. As Tracy shares, he “successfully and confidently applies these same skills at our kitchen and home,” showing how job training can directly support independent living. Baking at Mychal’s isn’t just about muffins. It’s about responsibility, consistency, and pride in a job well done.
Chris thrives in an environment where he feels supported and valued. He enjoys learning new skills “through the support and guidance of Mychal’s caring and patient staff,” and has gained confidence knowing that “he is productive in his work as a baker.” He’s also built friendships with others in the program and in the bakery, making Mychal’s a place where he feels connected and at home.
Looking ahead, Chris has big dreams. He’d love to work at Mychal’s Café one day, or even in the entertainment industry or at Disney. Wherever his path leads, the skills he’s gained through Mychal’s will go with him. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when job training, independence, and encouragement come together- and why his parents “couldn’t be more proud of Chris and thankful for Mychal’s.”
