Eating the Mediterranean Way
Learn why the Mediterranean way of eating could help you live healthier by joining Brookdale’s VP of Dining Services, Chef Thomas Yun, and Brookdale Gerontologist, Christy Phillips, Ph.D. And in honor of National Culinary Arts Month, Chef Thomas will show us how to make a few quick and easy Mediterranean dishes!

VP, Dining Services at Brookdale
Chef Thomas’ journey with food began in Glendale CA, with his parents owning and operating a small grocery store. His mother ran the retail side of their business and his father operated the wholesale/delivery side of their business which delivered produce to restaurants and nursing homes. It was in his family’s business where he learned seasonality of various ethnic and cultural cuisines. His family’s business roots were foundational to his work ethic and culinary experience. Thomas went on to graduate with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Since that time he has held various positions from fine dining independent restaurants, casinos and hotels, professor of culinary arts, corporate chef positions for Sysco Foodservice and large sports entertainment brands, and head of culinary and product development for several national chain restaurants. His passion for food and the hospitality comes from a love for diversity, culture, comradery, and solidarity experienced in various kitchens, restaurants and homes. This has also shaped Thomas’ management style and approach to life and work, which is to “consider others more significant than himself” and to work alongside teams, individuals, and departments to accomplish what is best for residents and team members at Brookdale.
VP, Dining Services at Brookdale
Chef Thomas’ journey with food began in Glendale CA, with his parents owning and operating a small grocery store. His mother ran the retail side of their business and his father operated the wholesale/delivery side of their business which delivered produce to restaurants and nursing homes. It was in his family’s business where he learned seasonality of various ethnic and cultural cuisines. His family’s business roots were foundational to his work ethic and culinary experience. Thomas went on to graduate with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Since that time he has held various positions from fine dining independent restaurants, casinos and hotels, professor of culinary arts, corporate chef positions for Sysco Foodservice and large sports entertainment brands, and head of culinary and product development for several national chain restaurants. His passion for food and the hospitality comes from a love for diversity, culture, comradery, and solidarity experienced in various kitchens, restaurants and homes. This has also shaped Thomas’ management style and approach to life and work, which is to “consider others more significant than himself” and to work alongside teams, individuals, and departments to accomplish what is best for residents and team members at Brookdale.


Gerontologist at Brookdale
Christine (Christy) Phillips, PhD is a gerontologist with over 30 years of experience in research and community-based health promotion for older adults. Her work bridges science and practice, focusing broadly on optimizing health and well-being across the lifespan. Dr. Phillips applies her research expertise in behavioral interventions, cognitive function, built environments, and program design—to developing and implementing real-world programs that support older adults in maintaining everyday functioning and quality of life. Her current role continues to integrate evidence-based strategies into meaningful initiatives that enhance health and well-being outcomes across community and residential care environments for older adults.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-phillips-phd/
Gerontologist at Brookdale
Christine (Christy) Phillips, PhD is a gerontologist with over 30 years of experience in research and community-based health promotion for older adults. Her work bridges science and practice, focusing broadly on optimizing health and well-being across the lifespan. Dr. Phillips applies her research expertise in behavioral interventions, cognitive function, built environments, and program design—to developing and implementing real-world programs that support older adults in maintaining everyday functioning and quality of life. Her current role continues to integrate evidence-based strategies into meaningful initiatives that enhance health and well-being outcomes across community and residential care environments for older adults.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-phillips-phd/