Culinary Expertise at Melody Living Colorado Springs

​Meet Michael Norman, Melody Living’s new Regional Food & Beverage Director! Michael's career has had a continuous thread of giving back to people from all walks of life.
 
He has worked for the United Nations Peace Corps as a Chef, which was the beginning of his true passion for the value of his occupation.

​Sharing his passion for what he does, Michael stated, "Food crosses all borders and all walks of life and if prepared, cooked and served well, it is the finest form of 'Culinary Compassionate Care' that a Chef can provide, and that in itself is the most rewarding feeling of success."

In his new role, Michael will support all Melody Living Dining Services for the communities' existing assisted living, memory care and independent living locations, to include Colorado Springs, Colorado and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. Michael will lead by teaching, training, and mentoring key department heads.  

Developing Systems and Concepts

He will also develop systems and concepts for all operations across the Melody Living organization of senior communities where he will work with local vendors to source wholesome local and sustainable food to be incorporated into the senior living menus.

​Additionally, Michael will serve senior living residents by developing cooking classes/demos, and post food forums for residents in partnership with the Life Enrichment Directors.

​When asked about where his passion stems from, he replied, “No matter what environment you are surrounded by as a professional, you are able to bring people together through and with food by creating a new memory or by bringing back a moment in time... that is the most rewarding feeling of success - a purposed-filled career of care.”

Senior Food and Beverage Director

Before joining the Melody Living communities, Michael served as the Senior Food & Beverage Director at The Springs Living in Oregon where he was the Senior Culinary Leader in a multi-outlet operation.

​In his role there, Michael refreshed the community’s systems and implemented new structures to establish an 8-week cycle of menus, implement an international and ethnic-themed bistro concept, standardized procedures, and initiated a department for continuing education opportunities for staff to further refine their culinary expertise and skills.
 
We’re beyond excited to have Chef Norman as a part of our team in all our locations and look forward to sharing more with you from him soon! To learn more about our unique dining experience, give us a call at (719) 960-4005 or schedule your own in-person tour!