"You matter. Your craft matters. The way you show up for others — that matters most."

With decades of experience in hospitality, bartending, leadership, and training, Sandi has spent her career helping people build both technical skills and meaningful connections. Her approach combines professional standards with genuine care for the people she serves and teaches.

At the Modern Bartending Project, our tagline says it all: Craft. Connection. Confidence. And no one embodies those three pillars more fully than Sandi McNeill — our instructor whose warmth fills a room before a single cocktail is made.

Sandi has a deep passion for hospitality and enjoys sharing her experiences and lessons learned. Her teaching style is equal parts rigor and heart. Students don't just learn proper shaking techniques, spirit knowledge, or service flow — they learn how to make someone feel seen, welcomed, and valued. That's Connection.

But connection without Craft is just conversation.

Sandi brings intelligent, meticulous instruction to every class — making sure you feel safe to ask and learn — from balance in mixology to the science of flavor. You'll build real, employable skills with clarity and purpose and understand the why.

And from that foundation grows Confidence and Competence — the kind that lets you walk into any bar, any situation, any busy Saturday night — and know you belong there.

When you step into Sandi's class, you're not just another enrollment. You're seen. You're supported. And you're about to discover that the best tool behind any bar isn't a jigger — it's knowing that everyone who sits down in front of you needs to feel like they matter.

Come learn at the Modern Bartending Project — we are excited to meet you.

You'll leave with skills. You'll make a friend. You'll belong to a community. And you'll also leave knowing: you matter here.

"Creating great experiences starts long before the first cocktail is poured." 

While Sandi leads the classroom, April ensures everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. 

With a background in business operations, finance, regulatory compliance, administration, and customer service, April manages the systems and support that help create a seamless experience for students and clients. From answering questions and coordinating schedules to managing day-to-day operations, her focus is making sure every interaction reflects the values at the heart of the Modern Bartending Project.

For April, hospitality isn't limited to what happens behind a bar. It's about creating an experience where people feel welcomed, informed, and supported from their very first inquiry to their final day in class. She believes that thoughtful communication, attention to detail, and genuine care are just as important as any technical skill.

Working alongside Sandi, April helps bring structure and organization to the vision behind the Modern Bartending Project, ensuring students can focus on learning, building confidence, and enjoying the experience.

Together, Sandi and April share a commitment to creating an environment where people feel welcomed, supported, and connected through hospitality.