Chef Tiago Battastini came to the US from Porto Alegre, Brazil, in the early 2000s.  He started as a line cook in New Jersey at a fast-food restaurant, not knowing that this would lead to a lifetime career.

Moving to California, Tiago continued working in various upscale restaurants and casinos, learning all aspects of the kitchen.

He earned several certifications, including a culinary degree from Grossmont College and is an ACF-certified Chef de cuisine. The Chef's Celebration Foundation nominated him as a San Diego Rising Star Chef in 2012.

Tiago worked as a Sous Chef, Chef de cuisine, and Executive Sous Chef before accepting the Executive Chef position at SDSU Dining. Chef Tiago oversees the restaurants’ day-to-day operations, is closely involved with providing personalized food options for students with unique dietary needs, and leads food-oriented outdoor workshops for students, faculty, and staff.

Tiago is married with three kids and enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including barbecuing on the weekends!

Navilla Montes de Oca was inspired to become a chef by the women in her family. Growing up, she observed her grandmothers, aunts, and mother working together to create amazing dishes for the family, making the kitchen the heart of the home. Chef Navi attended the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, Mexico, where she earned several internships, taking her to dining capitals such as Mexico City, Cabo San Lucas, and Lima. Her thesis was on the "Arab Influence in Mexican Cuisine".

Navi began with SDSU Dining as a prep cook and has been promoted several times, including into her current role as Chef de Cuisine for SDSU Dining. She loves hosting Friendsgiving and sharing food around the table to spark warm conversations with friends and family. Chef Navi's favorite food, without a doubt, is tacos which offer a balanced meal through the combination of carbs, proteins, and vegetables.

Christine Rivera is a San Diego–based chef known for her vibrant, flavor-driven cuisine and thoughtful approach to modern coastal cooking. Drawing inspiration from Southern California’s rich agricultural landscape and proximity to the ocean, she creates dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients with a balance of boldness and refinement.

With a deep passion for hospitality and culinary artistry, Christine has spent years honing her craft in both high-energy kitchens and intimate dining settings. Her style blends contemporary techniques with comforting, approachable flavors, often influenced by diverse cultural traditions and her own creative perspective.

Based in San Diego, California, Christine is committed to delivering memorable dining experiences that bring people together. Whether developing menus, leading kitchen teams, or curating special events, she brings precision, creativity, and heart to every plate.

Chef Miguel Mejia is the Faculty Staff Club Chef Manager. A 26-year food industry veteran, Miguel previously worked as a chef at the San Diego Country Club before arriving at SDSU Dining. Chef Miguel comes from a culinary family. His mother owned her own restaurant in Tijuana where his uncle was a chef.

Continuing to create a better guest experience through culinary excellence and growing FSC's harvest-to-table program is just part of Chef Miguel's vision.

"I love making friendships through cooking," Chef Miguel says. "I hope to be doing that here for a long time to come."

Chef Benjamin Castaneda is currently the Catering Chef for SDSU Dining.
He brings over 20 years of culinary expertise and experience from some of the
best resorts in San Diego, including five years as a Banquet Chef at Paradise
Point Resort, two years as a Senior Banquet Chef for the Intercontinental Hotel,
and over 13 years as a Sous Chef and Chef at the Hotel Del Coronado.

Chef Ben has two teenage daughters who support his passion for cooking.
When Chef Ben is not preparing delicious meals on our campus, he enjoys
cooking breakfast, especially pancakes, for his family and hanging out with his
dog Smokey.

“Choose a job you love," says Chef Ben, "and you will never have to work a day in your life!”