Our Team

Julie Richardson  co-owner
is a classically trained baker and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. She began rousing palettes and earning devotees with her hand-pies at the Portland Farmers market in 1998. Prior to moving to Portland, Julie founded Good Earth Bakery in Ketchum, Idaho. A native of Vermont, Julie lives in Multnomah village with her husband Matt and a very big dog, Trygve.

My guilt food pleasure is… malted milk balls, the good ones not whoppers.
My drink of choice is… champagne, I love bubbles
I am inspired by… challenges and deadlines
My favorite kitchen tool is… my hands
To a potluck dinner I would bring… a platter of yummy cheese, bread & fresh berries
My favorite aspect of my job is… developing new products

Matt Kappler  co-owner
Matt’s interest in the baking world occurred when he met Julie while helping her remodel her bakery in Ketchum Idaho. A professional woodworker until Julie convinced him to join the production team at Baker & Spice; he traded in his table saw and saw dust for a spiral mixer and flour. Matt now head’s up the department of bread. Playing guitar is Matt’s favorite activity.

My guilt food pleasure is… salt & vinegar potato chips
My drink of choice is… Mount Gay rum & Tonic
I am inspired by… things that work and are designed well
My favorite kitchen tool is… sharp scissors
To a potluck dinner I would bring… black bean enchiladas
My favorite aspect of my job is… working with my wife

Ashley Claybaugh production manager
has been inspired to bake since she was a small child watching the bakers at the Pike Place Market, although she always cherished the final baked good, it was the process that kept her awestruck. Taking advice from a dear loved one, at the age of 19, she chose to pursue her passion and attend culinary school in Seattle. Ashley has been baking professionally for almost 8 years and is still fascinated daily by the process. She is hoping to become strong enough in all aspects of baking to one day open a bakery of her own and inspire another generation of artisan bakers.

My guilt food pleasure is… sushi, oh so expensive.
My drink of choice is… champagne, because every day is a celebration.
I am inspired by… my mom; she knew how to make the most of what she had; she was like the original iron chef.
My favorite kitchen tool is… my microplane
To a potluck dinner I would bring… pie, it travels and keeps well.
My favorite aspect of my job is… assembling pies, it's meditating.

Kelly Smith retail manager
came to Portland from Michigan via Vinalhaven, Maine and is thoroughly enjoying her life here in the Northwest. Kelly joined the Baker & Spice family in 2008 and has found much satisfaction in her role here as retail manager. She brings different skills to the bakery from her experiences in landscaping, floral design, forestry and retail. She believes that the people on both sides of the counter are what make this such a special place and considers herself lucky to be with such good company.

My guilt food pleasure…. I admit to an infrequently realized addiction to orange circus peanuts!
I’m inspired by… a good theme.
My favorite kitchen tool is… my old wooden handled potato masher.
To a potluck dinner I would bring… depends on the season… and the theme!
My favorite aspect of my job is… That the overall vibe is one of productivity and humor. It’s a great balance.
My least favorite food is… Oatmeal. I give it a try every six months or so, but just can’t abide the stuff.

Stevey Conover savory cook
a southern California native, Stevey began her professional cooking career at the Saturn Cafe in Santa Cruz, California in 2001. After a brief & inspiring time in Brasil, she settled in Portland in 2005 with her partner Jasmine and their cats, Rocky & Lola. She enjoys hiking, gardening & trying new recipes.

My guilt food pleasure…. chocolate milkshakes
I’m inspired by… the seasons
My favorite kitchen tool is… a sharp knife
To a potluck dinner I would bring… kale slaw or curried something
My favorite aspect of my job is… being able to create new dishes
My least favorite food is… sunchokes