Meet the Team

I moved to Rossland in 1997 to work in the industry of Ski Tourism. Prior to living in the West Kootenays, I studied to become a Dietitian, and worked as a treeplanter and a ski instructor at Mt Buller, Australia. When my children were young, I found an opportunity that satisfied both my entrepreneurial drive and my interest in food science!

In 2008, I bought Bear Country Kitchen and with the support of the community, I haven’t looked back. I am a trail runner and skier and include ‘speaking dog’ as one of my superpowers. I enjoy adventure travel and sourcing hard to find unique items for my store.

Stephanie started work at Bear Country Kitchen in 2010 and has been an invaluable member of the Bear Country Kitchen Team.   Stephanie was born and raised in Germany where she achieved  a Degree in Hotel Management. Before coming to Canada, Stephanie worked and lived in Ireland, Florida, France and Spain. Prior to living in Rossland, her family lived in Jasper and Victoria.

Mandi has been food motivated from an early age, learning to cook and bake alongside her family. She founded a bakery in 2003 which kicked off a grand entrepreneurial adventure that included selling to Canadian grocery store chains and competing on the Food Network.

Mandi relocated to the West Kootenays from Ottawa in 2020 and thinks it is one of her best life choices.  She also manages the Kootenay Teen Chef Club program with the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce and Trail's Incredible Farmers Market.