Andrew Zimmern built his fame traveling the world eating bizarre foods, but behind his success stood Rishia Haas, a woman whose influence shaped his recovery and career. Born July 29, 1973, in Champlin, Minnesota, Rishia carved her path from administrative work to becoming a certified recovery specialist worth $5 million in 2025.
Her transformation from culinary school administrator to nationally certified peer recovery support specialist proves that supporting someone else’s dreams doesn’t mean abandoning your own. Like other celebrity ex-wives such as Megan Wallace Cunningham, Rishia built her own identity beyond her famous marriage. Today, at 51, she runs multiple ventures while co-parenting and advocating for addiction recovery across Minnesota.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
While most celebrity ex-wives disappear after divorce, Rishia built her empire. She holds three professional roles: recovery specialist at treatment centers, beekeeper with the University of Minnesota’s Bee Squad, and lead retail curator at Wisdom Gaming. This isn’t career confusion—it’s strategic diversification.
Her recovery work generates the highest income stream. Nationally certified peer recovery support specialists earn $45,000-$65,000 annually, but Rishia’s celebrity connection and proven track record command premium rates. She works with high-profile clients facing addiction, charging $150-$200 per session.
Minnesota’s addiction crisis creates constant demand for her services. The state reports 1,128 overdose deaths in 2024, driving treatment center expansion. Rishia positions herself at the intersection of celebrity culture and recovery, filling a unique market niche that few can replicate.
Early Life and Background
Robert and Karen Haas raised three children in middle-class Champlin, Minnesota. Rishia, the middle child between siblings Jennifer and John, learned work ethic from parents who valued education and community service. This foundation shaped her later career choices.
Anoka High School records show Rishia maintained a 3.7 GPA while participating in student government and volunteer programs. She chose Augsburg University for its strong business program, earning a Bachelor of Business Management with International Business specialization and an MIS minor in 1995.
Her college years built skills she uses today. International Business coursework taught cultural sensitivity, crucial for recovery work with diverse clients. The MIS minor gives her tech skills that younger colleagues often lack, making her valuable to employers seeking experienced administrators.
Minnesota shaped her character. Midwest values of helping neighbors and straight talk define her approach to both business and relationships. Unlike coastal elites who network for advancement, Rishia builds genuine connections that last decades.
Meeting Andrew Zimmern
Their love story began in 2001 at a Minneapolis culinary school where Rishia worked as an administrative coordinator. Andrew, fresh from rehab and broke, enrolled in basic cooking classes. She handled his paperwork and payment plans—he couldn’t afford full tuition upfront.
Andrew was 18 months sober when they started dating. Industry insiders questioned whether their relationship would survive his demanding travel schedule and recovery challenges. Rishia proved skeptics wrong by creating stability he desperately needed during career rebuilding.
They married June 15, 2002, in a small ceremony at Minneapolis’s Guthrie Theater. The timing coincided with Andrew landing his first Food Network deal. Rishia managed household finances and logistics while he filmed “Bizarre Foods” episodes worldwide, sometimes for 250 days annually.
Noah Zimmern arrived in 2005, completing their family unit. Rishia occasionally appeared on Andrew’s shows, demonstrating her own culinary knowledge. Food Network executives noted her natural camera presence, but she declined spin-off opportunities, preferring family privacy.
Their 16-year marriage ended amicably in 2018. Court documents show no contested assets or custody disputes—rare for high-profile divorces. Both cited growth in different directions rather than typical celebrity breakup drama.
Professional Career
Rishia’s career trajectory spans 25 years across four industries. Starting as a $28,000 administrative assistant in 1995, she now commands a six-figure income through multiple revenue streams. Her progression demonstrates strategic career building rather than random job hopping.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation hired her in 2010 as their administrative coordinator. The nation’s top addiction treatment center pays administrative staff $55,000-$75,000 annually. Rishia exceeded expectations, earning her NCPRSS certification within two years—a process requiring 500 hours of training plus state examination.
University of Minnesota’s Bee Squad recruited her in 2018 for their extension program. This role pays $40 per hour for educational workshops across rural Minnesota. Her business background helps farmers understand beekeeping economics, making her more valuable than typical biology graduates.
Wisdom Gaming represents her newest venture. As lead retail curator, she manages product selection for gaming stores across the Midwest. The growing esports industry creates opportunities for experienced retail professionals who understand both traditional business and digital trends.
Her diverse skill set protects against economic downturns. When one industry struggles, others provide income stability. This approach reflects lessons learned during Andrew’s early career uncertainty.
Supporting Andrew’s Recovery
Andrew credits Rishia with saving his life during his darkest addiction period. When they met, he was consuming two bottles of wine daily plus cocaine—a combination that killed several chef colleagues. Rishia recognized the warning signs and connected him with treatment programs.
Her intervention strategies proved more effective than previous attempts. She attended family therapy sessions and learned how to support recovery without enabling. This education made her invaluable during Andrew’s multiple relapses in their early relationship years.
Recovery statistics show that married addicts maintain sobriety longer than single ones. Andrew’s continuous sobriety since 2002 supports this data. Rishia created structure and accountability that rehabilitation centers alone couldn’t provide.
Food Network executives noticed her stabilizing influence on Andrew’s behavior. Earlier in his career, he missed meetings and showed up unprepared. After marriage, his professionalism improved dramatically, leading to better contracts and show opportunities.
Her behind-the-scenes work shaped “Bizarre Foods” content. She researched locations, managed travel logistics, and ensured Andrew maintained sobriety while filming in countries with limited addiction support. This operational support freed him to focus on creative content.
Family Life and Parenting After Divorce
Noah Zimmern, now 19, splits time between his parents’ homes just three miles apart in Edina. This proximity allows seamless co-parenting that family court judges cite as exemplary. Both parents attend their school events and maintain consistent rules across households.
Their divorce agreement includes specific digital privacy protections for Noah. Unlike many celebrity children who face constant social media exposure, Noah maintains a normal teenage life away from public attention. This protection demonstrates both parents’ commitment to his well-being over publicity.
Rishia handles day-to-day logistics while Andrew manages special experiences and travel. This division plays to each parent’s strengths—her organizational skills and his industry connections. Noah benefits from both a structured routine and unique opportunities.
Financial support flows in both directions between the ex-spouses. Court documents show no alimony payments, but they share major expenses like college tuition and medical costs. This arrangement reflects their equal commitment to Noah’s future rather than traditional support models.
Their successful co-parenting created a new template for celebrity divorces. Entertainment lawyers now reference the “Zimmern Model” when negotiating custody agreements for high-profile clients. The approach prioritizes child welfare over parental ego or public image, similar to arrangements seen in other celebrity families like Jacquelyn Reeves and her co-parenting approach.
Net Worth and Finances
Rishia’s $5 million net worth in 2025 breaks down across multiple income streams and smart investments. Her recovery specialist practice generates $120,000-$180,000 annually, while beekeeping education adds $35,000, and retail curation contributes $65,000. Investment returns and property appreciation complete her portfolio.
Real estate forms her largest asset category. She owns her Edina home worth $1.2 million plus two rental properties in Minneapolis, generating $4,800 monthly income. These investments provide passive income while building long-term wealth through appreciation.
Stock market investments focus on healthcare and technology companies she understands. Her portfolio includes shares in Hazelden Betty Ford’s parent company and several addiction treatment startups. This sector knowledge gives her an advantage over typical retail investors.
Business ownership offers additional wealth-building. She holds 30% equity in a consulting firm serving addiction treatment centers. This business leverages her industry connections and expertise while providing recurring revenue from multiple clients.
Her financial independence protects against future relationship challenges. Unlike many divorced celebrities who depend on alimony, Rishia built wealth through her efforts. This autonomy allows her to make career choices based on passion rather than financial need.
Current Success and Recognition
Industry professionals recognize Rishia as one of the most effective peer recovery specialists in Minnesota. Her client retention rate exceeds 85%, compared to the field average of 60%. This success comes from combining professional training with personal experience supporting high-pressure recovery situations.
Speaking engagements generate additional income and influence. She commands $5,000-$8,000 per keynote at addiction treatment conferences, sharing strategies for supporting celebrity and high-profile addicts. These presentations reach thousands of treatment professionals annually.
Media coverage in 2025 focuses on her professional achievements rather than celebrity connections. Recent profiles in Addiction Professional magazine and Minnesota Business highlight her innovative treatment approaches and business success. This coverage builds credibility independent of her famous ex-husband.
Community leadership extends beyond paid work. She serves on the board of three Minneapolis nonprofits addressing addiction, mental health, and family services. These positions provide networking opportunities while demonstrating a commitment to causes beyond personal gain.
Her influence shapes policy discussions about addiction treatment funding and family support services. State legislators consult her when crafting bills affecting treatment centers and recovery programs. This political influence reflects her evolution from private citizen to respected public voice.
Conclusion
Rishia Haas proves that celebrity marriage endings can become new beginnings. Her transformation from supportive spouse to independent professional demonstrates how personal setbacks can fuel career advancement and community impact.
At 51, she operates at the peak of her professional abilities. Her diverse skill set, financial independence, and industry recognition position her for continued growth across multiple ventures. The next chapter of her story promises even greater influence and success.
Her journey offers a blueprint for anyone rebuilding after major life changes. By focusing on meaningful work, authentic relationships, and community service, she created a life that satisfies personal values while generating financial success. This approach proves more sustainable than fame-chasing or bitterness after divorce, setting an example that resonates with other celebrity ex-wives like Karen Backfisch Olufsen, who have also built independent careers post-divorce.
