Staff Spotlight Profile

Essivi "Chantal" Messan, Lower School Food Services Department Staff Member, was not expecting to become a part of a community like CESJDS when she came to the United States in 2004 from Togo, West Africa. Chantal joined the JDS team in 2006, and has now been an integral part of the Food Services Staff for over 13 years. Chantal finds joy in serving Gurim-2nd graders from the traveling lunch kiosk. "I like seeing the students around the halls," Chantal said. "They always have an excited smile and like to tell me when they'll be getting food from my kiosk that week."

Food quality is important to Chantal, and she loves getting to serve students healthy lunches that are made from scratch in the JDS kitchens. Having been here for over a decade, Chantal is pleased to see the students she knew grow up and graduate from JDS.

Outside of school, Chantal likes spending time with family, going to the movies, and singing, which is her hidden talent. Chantal is also an avid traveler, spending her summers visiting family in Paris and traveling around Europe.

Above all, Chantal values working in such a warm and respectful environment. "I am grateful and lucky to be working here at JDS."