Marylou Whitney’s former chef now serving meals at residential school

BURNT HILLS – The universal language of food is making a big difference at Charlton School in Burnt Hills.

The school is a residential treatment center for young girls battling mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Some have eating disorders. Getting them to eat is a huge win.

Their meals are prepared by trained culinary chefs.

Chef Corky Verrigni joined the school about two years ago, after working for more than a decade with the late Marylou Whitney, who passed away in July 2019. He was her personal chef.

"I was there for a long time, I would do her private parties, anything she had going on," he explained. "She’s a very big influence in my life."

He says comfort food such as turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes was her favorite.

Verrigni has now found new meaning and new purpose at Charlton School.

Chef Robin Floud, who learned her cooking skills at SUNY Schenectady, pushed for him to join.

"I just begged him. I’m like, ‘Please just come for the interview,’" said Floud.

The chefs are trying to get away from institutional food.

Learn what they do differently, and how the girls show their appreciation for the cooking, by watching the video of Subrina Dhammi’s story.