MEET THE TEAM
Catering, Events, & Bakery Staff
CLAIRE SAX
Owner/Operator
Claire has always loved Highland County and grew up spending the summers and holidays with her extended family here in Monterey. She and her husband (with two kids), moved here full time 6 years ago.
Her successful catering/baking business blossomed into Claire's Cakes & Cafe in downtown Monterey in July 2022.
When asked what she loves about owning/running a cafe she answered: Getting to know more faces and people in the community. If you've been in more than once, she can probably name your most ordered item.
Her favorite part of the business? She loves getting to bring the vision in her head to life and being a part of people's special occasion celebrations through custom cookies and cakes.
Her top recommendation at the shop: Try a barista style drink. Claire's favorite is a standard-no flavor latte. If you've never had a latte or cappuccino, come in and try one!
LAUREN HINDMAN
Hospitality & Cafe Manager
Lauren Hindman, our sandwich artist extraordinaire, is usually behind the scenes making sure all the breakfast & lunch orders roll out smoothly. Lauren enjoys making your sandwich exactly as you like it~ so feel free to ask if you'd like extra mayonnaise, to hold the tomatoes, etc!
Lauren has worked with Claire for over a year now helping with catering and Etsy orders. She’s capable of it all and lends a helping hand wherever she sees the need.
Talented beyond belief, when Lauren isn't creating sandwiches she is making nature-inspired jewelry and crafts for her business Wild Virginia Crafts.
Be sure to look for her beautiful work at local festivals & markets and follow her page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/WildVirginiaCrafts/
Lauren's top cafe recommendation: try your favorite sandwich as a panini.
AUTUMN WARNER
Barista / Shop Operations
Autumn has worked with Claire since June 2022, helping to get the space set up and learning the ropes of front of the house work.
Autumn is a natural at the espresso machine and especially loves making iced coffees. Her favorite drink is an iced caramel macchiato. Autumn's top food recommendation is the turkey, bacon and provolone sandwich.
Autumn loves the social aspect and of course the delicious food at the cafe. When she's not working she enjoys volleyball and FFA.
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MEGAN MCGUIRE
Bakery& Catering Specialist/Manager
Megan is both behind the scenes baking & making, and you'll also catch her up front taking orders or chatting with a customer. Megan is good at everything, but her true talent is in the baking & design of cakes, cookies & pastries.
Megan's been working by Claire's side at catering jobs over the past year. When the Cafe opened, she transitioned into her role as Bakery & Catering Specialist/Manager. She is Claire's right hand woman in the kitchen and they often brainstorm or troubleshoot together.
Megan likes getting to meet new people and try new food, as well as learning neat baking hacks from Claire.
Her top recommendation at the shop is the white chocolate, cranberry & walnut cookie. Come on in to try one of Megan's delicious creations!
SAM JACCARD
Barista/Cashier
Sam is always ready with a sunny smile as you walk in the door. She works behind the front counter in the cafe where she makes all your favorite coffee drinks. She enjoys the laid back and fun atmosphere of the cafe and making beautiful lattes.
When Samantha isn't working in the cafe she is rediscovering her love of art through painting and wood burning.
Have a question about Gluten Free products? Sam is our resident expert taste tester on all things GF friendly!
If you ask for a cafe recommendations, she'll most likely recommend the Gluten Free Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich...Claire has started calling it "The Jaccard"
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MARY ANNE ROGERS
Bakery Intern
Mary Anne joined us this summer as part of the Youth Employment Program through The Highland Center.
She jumped right in with enthusiasm for all things related to coffee and baking. Since she's under working permitted age, Mary Anne can't work for us during the school year, but we make sure to call her in when we have FUN special projects!
Mary Anne recommends turning the turkey sandwich into a club and getting any flavor of iced coffee.
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KYLIE MOHLER
Social Media/Bookkeeper
Kylie started doing social media and bookkeeping work for Claire several months ago, and has enjoyed getting to know the friendly staff and workings of the wonderful cafe!
Her top cafe recommendation is the curry chicken salad on croissant, try it panini-pressed for a nice warm sandwich!
In her free time she enjoys hiking and exploring the wilds with her two boys, cooking, baking, and writing.
