Christina Shumard - Store Manager
Christina has been thrilled to follow a new path with Adagio into the realm of 'all things tea.' With it's rich history and literally hundreds of teas to explore, Christina's knowledge and palette expand daily. She strongly believes there is a tea for every soul and personality... and where better to meet new friends and sample teas than at Adagio Old Orchard! While not playing around in the tea shop, Christina loves spending time with her husband and family, going to the theater and concerts, enjoying great food and whenever possible, sitting on beautiful beaches.
Matthew Dow - Tea Consultant
After graduating high school in 2008, Matthew immediately jumped into the word of retail. Over the past three years, he has devoted his time to American Eagle. Now, he has joined the world of tea and became an Adagio team member. His interests include writing, photography, shopping, and enjoying his favorite tea, Rooibos Vanilla Chai, out of his awesome Cattitude mug.
Christian Soto - Tea Consultant
Christian came to the Windy City by way of Guatemala City one year after the blizzard of ’78. Since then he’s learned to embrace both of Chicago’s seasons, winter and construction. Previously, Christian enjoyed a successful career as one of Chicagoland’s top bicycle fitters while also regarded as a formidable Cyclocross racer. He brings to Adagio his own joie de vivre and a genuine passion for sharing his penchant for tea with his clients. It’s no surprise he gravitates towards oolongs. The complex nuances suit his personality well. He balances his world between tea, his quest for Socratic enlightenment, and the defense of our right to drink tea as a US Army Engineer.
Derek Steed - Tea Consultant
Derek comes to Adagio from a background in art and graphic design. After years as a t-shirt artist and designer, he switched from 'tees' to 'tea.' He now enjoys helping others discover the diversity of tea and all the wonderful benefits that come from drinking tea. His favorite teas are Ti Kuan Yin, Matcha, Pu'erh, and any tea with citrus flavors. Derek enjoys drawing, painting, spending time with his wife and kids, and making obscure pop culture references.
Jen Troup - Tea Consultant
Jen comes to Adagio with a background in education. She tries to bring fun and energy to work, teaching customers about tea in the most entertaining ways she can think of. Jen loves unique flavors in tea, and seeks to discover new blends and combinations of flavors every day. She has many favorite teas at Adagio, but her all-time winner is Artichoke Green tea. When not at Adagio, Jen enjoys music, reading, monster movies, running with her dog, and watching the Simpsons.
Patricia Green - Tea Consultant
Patricia jumped at the opportunity to join Adagio as an already devote lover of all things tea. Since she was young she's been drinking tea and loves to learn all she can about tea, whether each teas history or how it's made and loves to share her findings with others. With ever changing favorites, there's no tea she won't try and soon obsess over. When not in the shop, she enjoys playing old video games, knitting and watching horror movies.
Teresa Khoshaba - Tea Consultant
Teresa joined team Adagio right out of high school. Adagio is a great break from her crazy lifestyle as a double-major at DePaul. Teresa loves spending her time inside the tea shop, whether she's helping customers find their perfect cup of tea or learning more about it. Her favorite teas are ever-changing, but Teresa could never turn down a nice cup of Mocha Nut Mate, Raspberry Green or Ti Kuan Yin. While not studying for her Calc exam or sharing her knowledge of tea, Teresa enjoys watching movies, Friends re-runs, reading, and yoga
Michelle Labern - Tea Consultant
I go to Northwestern University and my favorite thing to do while studying or sitting in class is to sip on a cup of roobis vanilla chi. My mom, originally from Poland, made drinking tea a family tradition. Every night before bed we would all sit, relax and have a cup of tea. Tea has always been a family tradition, and I decided to take my passion for tea to the next level and join the amazing adagio team!
