“Watch Him”: Frankie Tinley Jr. Defies Odds and Finds Purpose as a Holistic Chef

Content Summary

• Defying Medical Odds: Frankie Tinley Jr. was born with Joubert Syndrome and was told he might never walk or talk. Defying these predictions through determination fueled by his parents’ belief, he insists that a diagnosis doesn’t define you—your determination does.
• Finding Purpose at Bauman College: He enrolled in the Holistic Chef Program because he sought a school that would “see my abilities, not my disabilities.” The program gave him a deep understanding of holistic health principles and the culinary skills to become a Pastry Chef.
• YaYa’s Sweets and Giving Back: Frankie launched his own business, YaYa’s Sweets, named after his grandmother, which blends whole-food culinary arts with family legacy. He also works at a disability support organization, helping others with disabilities find their purpose.

Frankie Tinley Jr.’s journey is anything but typical—it’s a powerful testament to perseverance, love, and the unwavering belief of his parents, who simply said, “Watch him.”

Born after being deprived of oxygen and later diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Joubert Syndrome, Frankie spent his early years undergoing intense physical, speech, and occupational therapy. Some doctors told his parents he might never walk or talk. But his parents believed—and Frankie delivered. He walked, he talked, he grew, and he learned, defying every early prediction.

Frankie often says, “My mom has been my biggest believer.” Her faith in him helped fuel his determination to rise above every challenge.

Today, Frankie has devoted over ten years to working with both special needs and neurotypical communities, giving back to the teachers and therapists who once believed in him. But his journey didn’t stop there—it led him to the culinary world.

Finding Acceptance at Bauman College

Frankie was drawn to Bauman College in search of a program that would “see my abilities, not my disabilities.” He found just that. From faculty to students, the people at Bauman truly cared.

“The People and EVERYONE CARED!” he shares.

Frankie enrolled in the Holistic Chef Program with the goal of becoming a Pastry Chef. It was here that he discovered a new way to express himself and serve others, blending his love for cooking with the principles of holistic health. The program gave him a deep understanding of flavors and how to incorporate them into everyday pastries.

YaYa’s Sweets: A Business Built on Love and Legacy

With the culinary knowledge gained at Bauman and the incredible support from his mentors and the Career Services Advisor (affectionately nicknamed “The Durantula”), Frankie launched his own business: YaYa’s Sweets.

Named in honor of his beloved grandmother, YaYa’s Sweets is more than just a business. It’s a heartfelt tribute, a labor of love, and a continuation of family legacy, offering home-baked goods infused with his grandmother’s cherished flavors.

Frankie’s career now beautifully blends his passions. He works at Las Trampas, a disability service and support organization, helping others with disabilities find their purpose. In his private practice, he shares the healing and joyful side of whole food culinary arts through YaYa’s Sweets.

A Diagnosis Doesn’t Define You

Frankie and his younger brother were both diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome, a condition affecting the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination. For Frankie, it took nearly nine years to finally name what he had been living with all along.

“But here’s the thing: a diagnosis doesn’t define you. Your determination does,” Frankie insists.

People have doubted him his whole life—and he knows they probably always will. But that’s okay. Because every time someone says he can’t, he hears his parents’ voices in his head saying, “Watch him.” And he keeps going.

Advice for Aspiring Holistic Chefs

Frankie is a shining example of how Bauman College helps students discover and showcase their worth.

His advice to anyone considering Bauman College or a career in Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts is simple: “Don’t hesitate to ask questions. And if you are ever in doubt of your life skills, Bauman College will help you bring it out and showcase your worth.”

Ready to Showcase Your Worth?

Like Frankie, are you ready to turn your passion into a purposeful career? Bauman College’s Holistic Chef and Nutrition Consultant programs provide the knowledge, skills, and supportive community you need to defy expectations and build a legacy of your own.

Craving Frankie’s creations? Connect with him via Instagram @ayayassweets