About our Instructors

Jennifer Yeatts headshot

Jennifer Yeatts (she/her) is Higher Grounds Director of Education and manages the HG Coffee Learning Lab.

She has worked in specialty coffee for over 20 years, starting as a barista and growing into roles involving marketing, communications, quality control, inventory management, training, and public relations.

Jennifer is an Authorized Specialty Coffee Association trainer and licensed Q Grader.

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Stefen Holtrey

Stefen Holtrey (he/him) worked behind the HG Coffee Bar as a barista for many years. His coffee skills are myriad; his coffee enthusiasm is contagious, and his affinity for a well-crafted Aeropress brew knows no match. We are thrilled to have Stefen on the Lab's teaching roster.



 

 

 

 






Jill Voorhorst
Jill Voorhorst (she/her) has spent more than a decade working across the specialty coffee industry, from serving guests as a barista in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland to leading high-volume café teams and supporting coffee professionals and enthusiasts around the world through her work in coffee equipment sales and support. Throughout her career, she's been driven by a love of hospitality and a belief that great coffee starts with making people feel welcome. Whether she's training a new barista, troubleshooting equipment, or sharing brewing techniques, Jill is passionate about helping people build confidence, hone their skills, and find joy in coffee.

When she's not teaching, you'll likely find her swimming in Lake Michigan, sewing her own clothes, or learning about native plants in her northern Michigan garden. Her favorite drink is an oat milk cappuccino.