Mandy Wingert, 23, was born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. She has always been interested in cooking but her career in the restaurant industry started at fifteen when Chef Adam Sperling of the Mediterranean Bistro offered her a position at his restaurant. She started working in the kitchen under the supervision of Chef Ian Pritchard, who, over the next several years, became her mentor. In 2004, Mandy enrolled in Culinary Arts at The Culinary Institute of Canada, completing a school apprenticeship at The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, New York. In 2006, she competed in the Skills Canada and Knorr Culinary competitions, taking third place in both events. Mandy graduated from the Culinary Arts program in May of 2006. She spent the summer working at the exclusive and highly-acclaimed Dayboat Restaurant in P.E.I., working under the supervision of Chef Gordon Bailey. Mandy is also a graduate of the Pastry Arts program.