Born and raised in British Columbia, Hayley attended culinary school in Vancouver at Dubrulle Culinary Institute, where she earned an advanced diploma in culinary arts. Upon graduation she worked for a prominent local caterer before accepting a position in the kitchen of a world-renowned fishing lodge in Haida Gwaii. It was while working at the fishing lodge that she realized she wanted more out of the career she had chosen. 

After continuing to work and gain experience in the culinary industry, she enrolled at Langara College before transferring to Simon Fraser University where she earned a degree in education. Since then, she has put her years of experience and both educations to use in her role as instructor for D.I.C.E.D Culinary School.