About Us
Pachavega Plant-based Culinary School
We are the change we wish to see in the world.
About Us
Plant-based Culinary Arts Institute
We are the change we wish to see in the world.
Inside Pachavega: Our Mission and Vision
Pachavega Living Foods Education is an award-winning Plant-Based Culinary School rooted in the principles of nourishment, gratitude, and a deep connection to nature. At Pachavega, we embrace a plant-based lifestyle with positivity, inspiring others to live from the heart while honoring Mother Earth through a healthy and sustainable way of life.
The name Pachavega blends two meaningful elements: “Pacha,” from the Quechua word Pachamama, meaning “Mother Earth,” and “Vega,” symbolizing our dedication to plant-based living and our love for the humble vegetable.
Our philosophy centers on the power of whole, organically grown, and nutrient-dense plant-based foods that are as sustainable as they are delicious. Guided by both cutting-edge nutrition science and the timeless wisdom of global culinary traditions, we empower individuals to transform their health.
Through life-changing plant-based nutrition education, vibrant vegan recipes, and Raw Food Chef Certification courses, Pachavega provides the tools to create a thriving, compassionate, and balanced lifestyle.
Our Mission
Pachavega Living Foods Education stands as a beacon of transformative education in the realm of plant-based culinary arts. Beyond chef training, our mission resonates with a deeper purpose: to empower you on a profound journey toward health and well-being through the alchemy of a plant-based lifestyle. We are dedicated to guiding you through the art of habit transformation, urging you to take control of your daily choices and craft habits that resonate with your higher self. Our courses are a gateway to understanding the profound impact of plants on the body, mind, and spirit, igniting a passion within you, not only to revolutionize your own life but also to share this wisdom with those close to your heart.
How We Got Here and Why We Do It
To make Pachavega a reality, I lived in a van and later upgraded to an RV for over four years. This lifestyle was free-spirited but challenging, like hauling water that froze overnight while managing campgrounds during Rocky Mountain winters. By avoiding rent and unnecessary expenses, I could afford to rent resorts, Airbnbs, and other spaces for Pachavega’s programs. I’ve relied on renting fancy places and borrowing kitchens (thanks, Mom and Dad!) to keep Pachavega going for the last 11 years. Moving a truckload of equipment and supplies to each new venue has been a journey in itself (those who’ve taken my programs have witnessed the chaos!). Despite these hurdles, my commitment to plant-based living remains strong. When my daughter nearly drowned, her recovery through herbs, vegan supplements, and nutrient-rich food deepened my resolve to live vibrantly and inspire others to do the same.
Pachavega’s courses offer more than culinary skills; they’re a gateway to a healthier, more fulfilling life. We teach locals by donation, helping them tweak traditional diets to improve health. Many in our community suffer from kidney problems and diabetes, often due to their diet. These classes aim to make a real difference, helping them heal and live vibrantly.
Through Pachavega, I’ve found the perfect blend of health and deliciousness through a plant-based diet. Our programs, both online and in-person, guide you in transforming daily habits while nourishing your body, mind, and spirit. My goal is to ignite a passion in you — not only to revolutionize your life but to share this wisdom with others.
Every day, I’m inspired by the vision of a world where everyone thrives through mindful eating and compassionate living. We’re all fortunate to be alive, and with every nourishing bite, we can choose a life of vitality over mediocrity. It’s never too late to transform yourself! Building the Pachavega Community Kitchen on Ometepe Island will enable me to continue this mission.
Our Founder
Danielle Arsenault
At the heart of our mission stands Danielle Arsenault, an extraordinary force in the world of health and wellness. As an internationally renowned Holistic Plant-Based Wellness Educator & Raw Vegan Chef, she embodies the true essence of holistic living.
With a resolute passion for compassionate cuisine, Danielle has earned accolades as an award-winning vegan influencer and the celebrated author of seven inspiring cookbooks. Her journey has culminated in the establishment of Pachavega Living Foods Education, a vibrant platform that drives positive change in the lives of countless individuals.
For over a decade, Danielle’s unwavering dedication has uplifted and transformed the lives of countless women, serving as a beacon of hope and healing. Through her visionary Raw Food Chef Certification courses, available both online and in-person, she ignites the spirits of those seeking profound nourishment and rejuvenation.
Danielle’s mastery lies in the art of infusing healthful ingredients with the magic of taste, proving that wholesome eating can be an enchanting and flavorful experience. Her culinary wizardry unveils a world of delectable possibilities that lead to a revitalized and invigorated existence.
At the core of her purpose lies a burning desire to share the secrets of her transformative recipes with all who seek genuine well-being and vibrant vitality. Through her inspiring journey, she champions the potential within each of us to achieve optimal health and thrive on a plant-based whole foods diet.
Our mission is to follow in Danielle’s footsteps and empower individuals across the globe to heal their bodies, rekindle their spirits, and embrace the incredible potential of a plant-based lifestyle. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, where health meets delectation, and let’s create a harmonious world filled with nourished souls and radiant spirits. Together, we’ll savor the abundant delights of life while celebrating the remarkable resilience of the human body.
Giving Back to Our Community
Our Why is Deep
Our courses offer more than just culinary skills; they are a gateway to a healthier, more fulfilling life. We teach locals by donation, helping them tweak their traditional diets to be healthier. In our community, many suffer from kidney problems and diabetes, conditions often linked to diet. By offering these classes, we aim to make a tangible difference in their lives, helping them heal and live better.
At Pachavega, we are committed to giving back to our community in meaningful ways. We educate and employ local families, including our neighbors, ensuring that our efforts contribute to the betterment of all. Through our by-donation cooking programs, we build a sense of community and foster a shared journey towards health and well-being. Together, we create a supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
Over the years, my deepening relationship with the islanders has allowed me to share my knowledge and learn from them in return. Their resilience and dedication to their culture have been a constant source of inspiration. Through workshops, cooking classes, and community events, I’ve aimed to promote wellness and show that healthy eating can be both enjoyable and accessible.
I’ve chosen to root down in Ometepe and commit to this incredible island and its people. I want to invite you to experience this magic firsthand, to see and feel the transformative power of this place for yourself.
Love,
Danielle
Founder,
Pachavega Living Foods Education
Why Ometepe Island?
In 2016, my South to Central American backpacking adventure led me to the enchanting island of Ometepe, nestled in Lake Colcibolca, the largest freshwater lake in Central America. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the island’s twin volcanoes, lush landscapes, and the warmth of its people. I spent weeks hiking trails, swimming in pristine waters, and immersing myself in the vibrant culture. The more time I spent here, the deeper my connection to this island and its incredible community grew. Even years later, many of the friendships I made during my first travels remain strong.
The name Ometepe comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, with “ome” meaning two and “tepetl” meaning mountain. The island’s two volcanoes form the largest island in Lake Nicaragua, historically known as Cocibolca. Stretching nearly 20 miles long and up to six miles wide, Ometepe has been inhabited since 2000 BC. It’s a place where birds sing, monkeys play, insects invade your personal space, and fireflies sparkle amid occasional lightning strikes that illuminate the night sky.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve had the privilege of living on Ometepe intermittently for the past six years. During this time, I’ve built deep connections with the islanders and witnessed the challenges they face firsthand.
Driven by my passion for plant-based nutrition, I saw an opportunity to introduce nutrient-dense, local ingredients into the diet and educate the community on their benefits. Plants like moringa, katuk, turmeric, ginger, beans, and sweet potatoes, which grow abundantly here but are often overlooked, hold the potential to significantly enhance health.