Mia Lewis serves as the Chef Manager for First Descents—a role she holds with deep gratitude. Her curiosity about the connection between food and well-being led her to study at the Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC, where she pursued her passion for sharing the healing power of food.

Since graduating in 2013 as a health-supportive chef, Mia has played an integral role in shaping the First Descents culinary experience. She quickly recognized that food, like outdoor adventure, could be a powerful tool for healing—helping participants embrace change, make empowered lifestyle choices, and explore “challenge by choice” through nourishing, often unfamiliar foods.

In 2018, Mia stepped into the role of Chef Manager. Under her leadership, the chef team has grown from six to over 25 chefs, all trained in health-supportive cooking. While she still joins programs in the field, building and mentoring this team has become one of the most rewarding chapters of her journey.

Mia’s commitment to wellness deepened during the pandemic, when she sought new ways to support and connect with others. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training and now teaches in her local community—often weaving yoga into First Descents programs as a complement to nourishment.

As a Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Mia continues to broaden her impact, helping individuals support their health through a holistic, food-first approach.

The heart of Mia’s work lies in seeing the lasting impact of nourishment. Reconnecting with participants who have transformed their diets and lifestyles years later is the ultimate reward. Mia lives in Dover, Delaware with her husband Duane and cherishes every moment spent with their five children and seven grandchildren.