From Dairy Queen to CALV: Ronda’s Path to Purpose
How Ronda Moodenbaugh Found Her Calling at CALV
Working in hospitality was never just a “job” for Ronda Moodenbaugh. What started with her first job at Dairy Queen at 16, then working various positions from fast food, full-service restaurants, became a lifelong passion for serving others.
By her early thirties, Ronda made a shift from the food and beverage industry to retail, joining the team at Macy’s department store. Quickly rising through the ranks, she became a Sales Supervisor, overseeing multiple departments. After four years in retail, she realized she wanted more and needed a new challenge that aligned more closely with her heart.
Teaching was something that had always been in the background. “I believe I was in the third grade when my teacher told me that I would be an amazing teacher someday,” she recalls. That early encouragement is what propelled Ronda to begin teaching as a para-educator in the Walla Walla School District in Washington. As a substitute teacher supporting children with disabilities and teaching English language Development allowed her to rediscover a passion and purpose she had previously set aside.
After she and her husband relocated to Las Vegas, leaving behind her family in Washington, a move she described as deeply emotional. Finding her place at The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas gave her a new sense of belonging. “The move was very difficult for me as I was missing my family,’ she says. “But now, I feel like everyone here is my family. I have amazing support from staff, and I enjoy getting to know my students.”
“Getting my CALV instructor chef jacket for the first time was one of her proudest moments,” she states. “I almost teared up,” she remembers. “I worked very hard to accomplish this, and I’m forever grateful for everyone who supported me in this journey.”
Despite spending only a short time with each cohort, Ronda cherishes every student she teaches. “Everyone has a different story to tell, and I love to learn everything about them,” she says. “They may only be here for two weeks, but I consider them family members.”
