Meet the Team!
We’ve got a small and passionate crew in the kitchen, constantly crafting, badly singing, laughing, sometimes dancing and loving every minute of it.
“T”
Thanou (“T”) is passionate about exceptional food and community, which inspired him to create Westy’s, NW Peoria’s only all-organic juice bar and kitchen. Born in Paris and now a proud American citizen, T brings over 16 years of experience in branding and creative leadership, including key roles at one of America’s largest churches.
With Westy’s, T aims to inspire families to rediscover the joy of real food, rethink organic eating, and build healthier habits for future generations. Outside of work, he enjoys 20 years of marriage with his Arizona-native wife, Alison, and loves teaching their two children everything from drawing and cooking to golf, tennis and pickleball. Sharing meals with friends and experimenting in the kitchen are among his greatest joys.
Biggest Pet Peeves: Laziness and Dishonesty
Current Mastery Attempt: Pickleball. Confidently plans to “walk on” the Senior Pro Tour when he’s of age (a while from now…)
Fave Phoenix Restaurant: Cibo Urban Pizzeria
Alison
Alison, a West Valley native and Northern Arizona University graduate, spent over seven years teaching science in the Peoria School District. As a dedicated mom to two young foodies, she skillfully balances family life with her many roles at Westy’s, helping create a warm and welcoming environment for both staff and customers.
Alison’s passions include gardening, crafting bouquets from her backyard flowers, and sharing her love of science with her children. She’s a committed researcher and advocate for detoxifying home environments, ensuring her family and community avoid harmful chemicals.
At Westy’s, Alison is a driving force behind sustainability and clean ingredient standards, making sure every treat is both delicious and free from junk. Many of Westy’s family-focused products and initiatives stem from her innovative ideas and dedication to healthy living.
Biggest Pet Peeve: Loogie Hockers
Current Favorite TV Show: F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate anything
LaJuana
LaJuana has been married for 33 years, is a proud mom of 3 grown children and has 4 grandchildren. Outside of being a previous business owner, Westy’s has been her favorite job. She has a passion for cooking, juicing and learning all she can about nutrition. As a cancer survivor, these things have become even more important in her life. She is glad to lead the juicing team and be a part of serving the west side of town all the good things Westy’s has to offer.
Favorite activity: Being with family
Loves: Jesus and her pit bull, Beretta
Happy Place: The beach
Jayda
Jayda is studying Biology at Grand Canyon University. Westy’s is Jayda’s first job and she is so grateful to be on such a hardworking team that is passionate about serving their community, especially those battling cancer as she once did. She enjoys all aspects of the job, but especially loves juicing and gaining kitchen experience. Outside of work, she spends her time with her family, friends, and animals.
Biggest Pet Peeve: Loud/Open-Mouth Chewers
Favorite Foods: Steak and Seafood
Life Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23
Carter
Carter is a student at GCU majoring in Biology to pursue a career in dentistry. He loves working at Westy’s because of the tight knit community, real food, and the team’s ultimate goal of loving Jesus every day with their words and actions. He enjoys all aspects of the job, but specifically being helpful wherever he can to both the team and customers while keeping the vibes high! Outside of work, he has a deep love for his family, friends, and soccer.
Favorite Music Artist: Jack Johnson
Other favorite Restaurant: Seven Brothers
Favorite Soccer Team: Liverpool FC
Sydney
Sydney grew up in Washington State and moved to Arizona on her own for the first time about a year ago. She was homeschooled her entire life, which gave her the opportunity to travel the country with her family while serving in ministry, and helping her family’s business. She has a passion for health & nutrition, wellness, skincare, music, nature, and almost anything outdoors. Sydney is nutrition certified with hopes of continuing further education, and is now pursuing an education in wellness/esthetics. Outside of work and school, she’s busy preparing for her upcoming wedding and enjoying time with the people and things she loves the most.
Favorite Hobby: Singing/songwriting
Fun Fact: Has traveled to every state in the US
Secret Side Hustle: Bridal makeup
Karter
Karter is currently a junior attending North Valley Christian Academy. She’s captain of her cheer team where she does both game day and competition cheer. Her first job is here at Westy’s and she loves being surrounded by a Christian community both at work and at school. She loves being part of the team at Westy’s because everyone has a genuine care for each other and a passion for what it all stands for.
Favorite sport (to watch): Basketball
Hobby: Reading
Life Bible Verse: Psalm 55:22
Benaiah
Benaiah started working at Westy’s storefront as early as 11 years old. He loves making smoothies and taking care of our plants. He loves school, reading and has an incredible memory when it comes to recitation and retention. When not in school, he loves creative writing, creating his own board and card games, building Lego, pickleball and spending time with his little sister and parents.
Favorite Hobby: Building Lego and creating his own board games
Aspirations: Running a Zoo one day
Fun Fact: He’s competed nationally at the National Bible Bee, ranking 23rd among his peers from across the country.
Willow
Willow’s our happy-go-lucky mascot. She joins us from Fairborn, OH, where she traded a lush green yard for the desert. This sweet puppy loves her homemade dog food (just regular organic human food portioned out and formulated just for her). She loves to wake everyone up before her first potty outing of the day and then going back to sleep right after.
Favorite snack: Strawberries, blueberries and cubed cheese.
Loves: Anything that rolls on the ground wether it fits in her mouth or not.
Fun Facts: She was named "Willow" without realizing its deeper meaning. The willow tree symbolizes resilience, rebirth, and emerging from a period of mourning. It became a fitting tribute for Westy’s family, who navigated two profound personal losses during the shop's difficult first two years.