Theo Tom: Blending Navajo Culture, Traditions, and Culinary Innovation
As Associate Director of Food and Nutrition and an award-winning chef with Morrison Healthcare, which is part of the Compass Group family of businesses, Theo Tom‘s journey is one that intricately blends his Navajo culture, traditions, and deep love for food. “Being part of the Native American community means a lot to me – it’s a shared identity and a source of strength,” notes Theo.
Raised in Denver, Colorado, the son of a musician and a nurse, Theo’s story is rooted in the unique intersection of his Navajo heritage and his upbringing in the city. His mother, born and raised in the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona, moved to Denver to pursue a career in nursing, where she met Theo’s father. Theo’s summers were spent in the Navajo Nation, where he absorbed the language, traditions, and landscapes.
“My family has always emphasized the importance of our roots,” Theo explains. “Cooking has been a way to connect with Navajo traditions, as food is integral to our culture.”
For Theo, food is a means of connection to his ancestors and to the future generations of his family. One of his most cherished memories from his childhood is helping his grandmother make frybread during family cookouts. “The smell of dough frying, the stories shared over the meal were about more than just food – it was a connection to my heritage and the way of life on the Reservation,” Theo adds.
These early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for the role that food plays in preserving cultural traditions. “In my family, we teach about respect for the land and gratitude for the ingredients we use,” Theo noted.
Cooking goes beyond preparing meals—it’s a way to pass down these values. From Navajo tacos to blue corn frybread and lamb stew, Theo’s family ensures that the younger generations not only learn the recipes, but also the deeper values and meanings behind them.
Today, as an Executive Chef and Associate Director of Food and Nutrition in the healthcare industry, Theo’s cultural background continues to influence his approach to cooking. He finds inspiration in the traditional ingredients and methods he grew up with, often merging them with modern culinary techniques. This blending of old and new allows him to honor his Navajo heritage while pushing boundaries of cuisine. “It’s my way of keeping our culture alive and relevant in today’s culinary industry,” he declares.
Theo’s dedication to nurturing patients and staff reflects the values instilled in him by his family and heritage. He emphasizes the broader power of food as a connector. “Food bridges cultures and fosters understanding,” offers Theo. “I encourage everyone to explore their heritage and appreciate the rich tapestry of traditions that exist around us.”
Through his work at Morrison Healthcare and his personal journey, Theo Tom invites us all to appreciate the stories and traditions that shape us and make us unique — and he reminds us that “food can be a beautiful way to foster understanding and respect among diverse communities.”