“I’ve been told that I ought to be here too. My name is Emily and I’m the Boss. 😉
Kids’ Test Kitchen was born from the desire to show a group of elementary school kids what spaghetti squash was – to show them how EASY it is to cook and how fun it is to eat. The fact that beta carotene helps you see in the dark was only a bullet point. The kids LOVED it and enjoyed learning about the positive benefits they could experience by eating it.
Exposure and hands-on experience are instrumental to learning. Add to that a pressure-free opportunity to taste, and the lesson becomes a fully holistic life lesson in self-sufficiency, self-care, self-awareness, teamwork, cooperation, and so much more – all on top of the practical and obvious practice of necessary life skills like cooking and eating.
But enough about Kids’ Test Kitchen, let’s talk about me! I bring my enthusiasm and genuine desire to connect with others at a human level to every interaction. At surface level, the KTK Team is an essential tool that I leverage in the mission to inspire healthy eaters and redefine kid food – but – in truth, each individual is an extension of my enthusiasm and my passion. They come with a wealth of varied backgrounds and expertise, and I just can’t say enough positive things about them. They are all absolute rock-stars and I’m grateful to have found them.”
Emily Seward, RDN
KTK founder and creator
“I have been a Facilitator with Kids’ Test Kitchen, since the beginning, and I absolutely love it! My love of food, cooking and eating, combined with a desire to work with children has led me to Kids’ Test Kitchen. This is a dream job for me! I have a certificate in Culinary Arts, I adore Thai food, nature and have a great sense of humor (which really comes in handy when working with kids)! 😁”
Karen M.
KTK since inception
“I’m a retired event planner and cooking enthusiast! I graduated from Widener University’s hotel and restaurant program with a love of all things food and hospitality. I’m passionate about good health and eating habits and strive to help kids learn to love nutritious foods. In addition to teaching with Kids’ Test Kitchen, I work for the Melrose Family YMCA! I am a wife and step mama to a fantastic 20-year-old, a dog and 3 cats.”
Kim C.
KTK since 2017
“I love being a Facilitator with KTK. My dad was a professionally trained chef, so I was in the kitchen at a very young age. Cooking for others brings me so much joy. I love teaching kids that cooking can be fun. It’s such a great feeling when I introduce a child to a new food. I’m a fourth-grade teacher in Ridgefield, CT. In my free time I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Kristen F.
KTK since 2017
“I hold a BS in Dietetics, and I am also a certified trained chef. I have worked in various aspects of the food service industry including hospitals, corporations and as a Culinary School Instructor. I moved to Massachusetts in 2016 for her husband, Sean, to take a role with Keurig Green Mountain. I’ve taken a few years off to be with my 2 daughters during their preschool and elementary years. My daughters, ages 10 and 7, are huge helpers in the kitchen. They help prepare dinners weekly doing much of the preparation work as well as becoming very good pastry chefs.
Before moving to Massachusetts, I was part of an organization that introduced healthy choices through ingredients and cooking methods. From this experience, I decided this was the next stop in my career path which brought me to Kids’ Test Kitchen.
I am excited to be part of the KTK team and I’m looking forward to bringing my passion of cooking to your children.”
Nicci C.
KTK since 2018
“Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist with a love for nutrition education and a passion for cooking. In addition to KTK, I’m a School Nutrition Director for a K-12 school district. My favorite food to eat is Phở and my favorite food to cook is EVERYTHING! :)”
Sarah L.
KTK since 2019
“I have my BS in Food and Nutrition as well as my M,Ed. in Nutrition Education! I strive to teach individuals the importance of healthy cooking and eating, as well as having fun with your food! I have been a nutrition educator for 7+ years, and I am pleased to continue my passion for cooking with KTK. I look forward to working with my students every week, and I love to hear that they are enjoying what we cook each week. I learned how to cook with my mom at a young age and I continue to use these skills within my own household as well as with my students. In my free time, I like to enjoy my weekends by filling my time up seeing family and friends, relaxing, or diving into a great book. KTK rocks!!!!”
Alexa D.
KTK since 2017
“Hi everyone! My name is Olivia and am currently a nutrition and dietetics student and a future registered dietitian! I love to run, bake, and share the knowledge I learn about food and nutrition. I enjoy working with kids, and Kids’ Test Kitchen has been a wonderful way to share my love and excitement about all things healthy! It is so inspiring to see kids happy and excited to learn nutritious tips and tricks.”
Olivia J.
KTK since 2022
“I did a lot of traveling after college. (BA in Psychology from Northeastern). I learned to love the connection between food and culture and my 21 years of teaching in Cambridge fed this passion. So many different cultures represented in my classes, and I learned from students more than I thought possible. Food is a great equalizer and always so much fun to share stories about our family and friends’ food traditions. Hope to share some of my knowledge with my Kids’ Test Kitchen classes.”
Catherine T.
KTK since 2022
“Hello! I am Jackie! I started at a very young age loving living a healthy lifestyle! I was very active in sports as a child which created an active adulthood for me! I am a nanny of 6 children who love to be active with me constantly creating in the kitchen! Looking forward to my Kids’ Test Kitchen classes with the kiddos!
~Jackie M.
KTK since 2024
“I have been working with children and their nutrition for 30 years, I have trained with fabulous chefs and catered many special events… Presidential visit etc., however nothing gives me more joy than working with cherubs! Anyone, who knows me knows that spending time with the children is my favorite part of my profession. I also have been an SNA of MA for 20 years advocating for children’s nutrition and food security.”
~Mary P.
KTK since 2023
“Healthy cooking and eating has been my lifelong passion! I raised two boys who were athletes and needed to eat as healthy as possible to build strength and endurance and I loved teaching them that food makes all the difference in their ability to think and preform in school and in life. After owning an all natural day spa I decided to become certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition so I could work to help others have a healthier life, and enjoy food and cooking as much as I do.”
Janet R.
KTK since 2022
“Hello everyone!! I have been in the child nutrition world for approximately 30 years. I have two sons and three grandchildren. I have taught in the classroom and have integrated nutrition in the school curriculum. I have spent the last 25 years teaching childcare and school lunch professionals how to coordinate successful Child Nutrition programs and how to prepare healthy meals. I am looking forward to spending my future going back to teaching children good nutrition and healthy choices.”
~Doreen I.
KTK since 2022
“I am a Registered Dietitian and hold a Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Promotion degree. I work as the Food Service Director for Masconomet Regional School District, where I manage the School Nutrition Program. I have worked with children professionally since 2013 in many other roles including as a nutrition educator, nanny, and day camp counselor. I have a strong passion for cooking, baking, and promoting nutritious food among people of all ages.”
~Melissa S.
KTK since 2021
“Hello! My name is Elisa and I am a high school physical education and health teacher in Hamden, Connecticut. I spent 10 years teaching pre-kindergarten through eighth grade at a science magnet school in New Haven, Connecticut. One of my favorite parts of my career has been developing a food science curriculum with hands on lessons that I taught to my sixth graders! I love all things outdoors including hiking, camping, snowboarding, motocross, softball, football and so many more. My indoor hobbies include reading, cooking, and playing the guitar and piano. I’m so excited to work with Kids’ Test Kitchen to teach young people about cooking skills, nutrition, and some very important life skills as well.”
~Elisa B.
KTK since 2023
“An Indian Emigrant, I come from the land of spices. A Mum of two middle schoolers, I am my children’s favorite chef! A Dentist by profession and someone with an infectious smile, I believe everyone must learn to cook. If you eat, you must know how to cook- is what I tell my boys! Cooking is fun and divine. Food can bring people together by speaking an unknown language. Working as a Mental Health Counselor taught me how the correct tools can pave a child’s mind to better health and happiness. Currently, I am freelance training an AI how to write. I love to cook for a crowd, am obsessed with creative cooking, and am a total party girl! In the world of fast food, teaching the children to cook and be healthy is what I love about KTK.”
KTK since 2023
~Preethi S.
“Hello All, I’m Katie. I worked in educational publishing for 7 years before staying at home to raise my 3 kids and a chocolate lab. I have volunteered for Sowing Seeds, a non profit organization in Marshfield, MA 11 years and was previously a substitute teacher. I am excited to work with kids again and share my enthusiasm for delicious food and nutrition.”
~Katie K.
KTK since 2023
“As a Registered Dietitian, mother of two adult children, I love to cook healthy, tasty meals for my family and friends. I strongly believe that habits of a lifetime start early and that is why I want to work with Kids’ Test Kitchen – helping move our young beautiful American children in the right direction in terms of eating right and staying fit! My hobbies are biking around beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, swimming (not with the seals however LOL) and of course, enjoying delicious homemade meals with my sweet husband and adult children (when home).
~Julie M.
KTK since 2024
“Hello! My name is Alisia (pronounced uh-LEE-see-uh). I am a Registered Dietitian with a passion for expanding access to nutritious foods and providing nutrition education to individuals and communities. I’m excited to not just cook with students, but explore, experiment, and expand our taste buds and food curiosity to fuel healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime!”
~Alisia B.
KTK since 2023
“I’m a former nanny and camp counselor who loves food and sharing my passions with kids. As a kid, I loved trying new foods, and as an adult, I love watching kids discover their new favorite foods in my classroom.”
~Maya C.
KTK since 2023
“Hi, my name is Stef! I was a K-12 School Nutrition Director before taking a career break to stay at home with my two young kids and our newfoundland dog. I am a Registered Dietitian and I enjoy working with children and their families along with helping inspire healthy eating practices and a love for cooking!”
~Stefani P.
KTK since 2023
“Hi! My name is Melany. I’m a mother of 2 sweet & silly kids. I have a creative background in Graphic Design, blended with a steep resume as a facilitator of adolescent recreation! Whether working as a camp counselor, volunteering at a preschool, assisting at an afterschool Art program or leading a Cub Scout den, much of my time has been spent working with kids! My favorite part about being a facilitator with KTK is the curiosity, excitement and determination that our young chefs have. They are fascinated by “mystery” vegetables, cooking tools, new recipes and are always diligent with preparation. I LOVE that I get to be creative sharing a healthy, fun, message about food while cooking together. Their impressions and reactions to our recipes always leave me with a smile!
Melany C.
KTK since 2023
“I have a diverse background and experience in teaching all grade levels as well as a focus in career education. My background lends itself to food service given I spent 20 +teaching special populations at the vocational level. An area under my supervision as lead teacher, then as Special Education Coordinator, was food service training for students with special needs.
~Sheila J.
KTK since 2024
“Hi! My name is Caroline and I am so excited to be a KTK Facilitator! When not facilitating, I am a Registered Dietitian who loves to teach others about nourishing and delicious food. On my off time, I love to bake and spend time with my family. Hope to see you in a classroom soon!”
~Caroline S.
KTK since 2024
“I’m a Pediatric Registered Dietitian who loves all things food and cooking! I love exploring new recipes, experimenting in the kitchen, and teaching others about nutrition.”
~Payton M.
KTK since 2024
“I’m Colleen and I love nature walks, my dogs, trying out new recipes and foods, and spending time with my nephews and niece!”
~Colleen Q.
KTK since 2024
“I have been a teacher in and out of various school systems and types. I have worked with children all the way from 6 weeks old all the way through students working on their undergraduate degrees. Throughout that time I have always been focused on creating “free” environments that allow people to move and participate as they see fit (so long as they aren’t too disruptive to the rest of us). I came across KTK while job hunting this summer and I was super excited to have found a place that supports my love of learning in relaxing environments. After I became a mom I started really looking at food here in the USA through not only how it’s made but also what it does for our bodies. Now that I have two children (4 yrs and 19 months) I find myself obsessed with allowing them to help prepare meals that focus on being great and tasting great, too! I am super excited at the prospect of working with KTK to expand my own knowledge and create a positive, food focused environment for students in my area – it’ll just be a bonus that I have access to all of these recipes for my own home, too.”
~Nicole
KTK since 2024
“Hello! I am so excited to be part of the KTK team! I am a mom of two grown sons, both of whom continue to strive to eat a healthy diet. I have been an elementary and middle school teacher for 16 years and found that teachers AND students are always learning together. I’m so looking forward to working with students while cooking with healthy foods!”
~Sheila H.
KTK since 2024
“Hi! I’m Vanika, I’m a Dietitian who loves to cook and I am so excited to be a part of KTK! I spent a year with FoodCorps teaching kids about healthy foods in schools, and watching them develop a love for cooking was so great to see! When I’m not working, I love to be outdoors, away traveling or catching up with friends over a coffee :)”
~Vanika J.
KTK since 2024
“My name is Amna, and I’m very passionate about using nutrition to help improve the quality of people’s lives. I have worked as a nutritionist for WIC and now as a Child Nutrition Specialist for the School Nutrition Programs in the state of Rhode Island. I believe empowering kids with nutrition knowledge, empowers them to know and support their health for a lifetime.”
~Amna F.
KTK since 2024
“I am a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience in family medicine, and I’ve turned my love of food and health into a mission – helping families thrive through better nutrition! These days, you’ll find me running my telehealth practice, where I teach people how to manage their blood sugars without restrictive diets, often with a seltzer in hand and a smile on my face. But my favorite sous chef? That would be my son Lincoln, who’s already mastering the art of the perfect pancake flip! When we’re not creating kitchen chaos (the good kind!), our family is either zooming down ski slopes, trying not to lose golf balls in the rough, or planning our next travel adventure – which always involves exploring local cuisine. My absolute joy is watching my clients, kids, and family light up when they create successful recipes because I firmly believe that the path to healthy eating starts with having fun in the kitchen! After all, who says nutrition can’t be delicious AND playful?”
~Kerri H.
KTK since 2024
“Hi Everyone! I’m Isabella and I am really excited to be a part of KTK’s team and mission. I am an integrative nutritionist, educator, farmer, and healthy food system advocate! I am really passionate about spreading the joy of nourishing food and inspiring others to connect with their family, friends, and community around something we all love – eating! In my spare time, I dance and also teach dance workshops to all ages. Happy to be here! Bon appetit! ;)”
~Isabella C.
KTK since 2024
“Hello! My name is Elena — I am a registered dietitian working in private practice. I received my BS in Food and Nutrition from Clemson University in SC, then completed my dietetic internship at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. I am very passionate about education for all populations, but especially younger generations. I believe food is a tool we can use to improve and celebrate our lives and everyone deserves to know how! I’m elated to be working with Kids’ Test Kitchen and to be a part of such a wonderful team and mission.”
~Elena H.
KTK since 2024
“I’m Liz, and have a rich professional background including a full business career, and 17 years in education, teaching in both elementary and middle school classrooms. Despite my formal education with an undergraduate business degree and a Masters of Education, I personally was a bit late to the proverbial table understanding the importance of food and nutrition for our health and well-being. My own “picky eater” (now an adult) started me on my healthy foods/nutrition education path 20+ years ago. I’m thrilled to now facilitate kids’ food exploration in a safe, hands-on environment, through Kids’ Test Kitchen, to ignite kids’ natural curiosity about food and to provide opportunities to explore and experiment!”
~Liz K.
KTK since 2024
“I have been a dietitian for 19+ years and enjoy teaching others about healthy eating using whole foods and healthy ingredients! I live in Newmarket NH and love to walk, cook, read and play the guitar. I have worked in many fields of nutrition and am passionate about helping others, especially children!”
~Lisa N.
KTK since 2024
“A creative humanist, I work to connect mind and body for peak mental and physical performance. Versed in multiple modalities, I combine elements of Kinesiology, Touch for Health Acupressure, Chinese Medicine Theory, and Brain Gym to create movement and body-focused coaching sessions. I love working with Kids- they know their minds and bodies are connected- and I love, love food and cooking. My idea of a perfect day is exercise and cooking for friends.”
~Elizabeth H.
KTK since 2024
“Hi, I’m Amy. I’m a mom to two wonderful kids—an 18-year-old son who is a picky eater and a pescatarian, and a 16-year-old daughter who has a plant and tree nut allergy. For the past 25 years, I’ve worked in EMS, which has been a rewarding and challenging career. But my true passion has always been cooking. Growing up with an Italian, Irish, and Armenian background, my tastes have been deeply influenced by the rich flavors and traditions of these cultures. I love experimenting with new recipes and creating meals that my family enjoys. My daughter often tells me that my cooking is her favorite, which is the best compliment I could ask for. Over the years, I’ve learned to get creative in the kitchen, especially when it comes to my son’s selective tastes. Finding ways to make meals that are both delicious and cater to everyone’s needs has been such a fun challenge for me, and it brings me joy to see my family happy with the meals I create.”
~Amy M.
KTK since 2024
“Hi!😊 My name is Mikayla! I have a Culinary Arts Certificate and graduated from The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in 2017. I have worked in restaurants, catering, and corporate dining. I love trying new recipes, teaching others, and experimenting in the kitchen. I am so excited to be a part of the KTK Team! I look forward to expanding my own knowledge as well as creating a fun, positive, culinary driven environment for my students. In my spare time I love taking my Black Lab on walks and trails and spending time with my family and friends. Let’s get cooking!”
~Mikayla P.
KTK since 2024
“Hi, I’m Sumana, a passionate food enthusiast, dedicated parent, and advocate for healthy living. As someone who has raised two athlete boys, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of fueling active lifestyles with nutritious meals. Teaching my sons the value of balanced, wholesome eating has been a cornerstone of our family’s journey, and it’s inspired me to share this knowledge with others. My love for cooking goes beyond the kitchen—it’s about exploring new flavors, understanding nutrition, and creating meals that bring people together. That’s why I joined the Kids’ Test Kitchen program. This incredible initiative allows me to combine my passion for food with my desire to empower children to make healthy choices. I believe teaching kids how to cook builds confidence, encourages creativity, and instills lifelong habits for wellness and self-care. In addition, when I’m not cooking, you’ll find me giving concerts, cheering on my boys at games, volunteering, or enjoying time outdoors. I’m excited to be part of the Kids’ Test Kitchen team, inspiring the next generation to discover the joy of cooking and the importance of nourishing their bodies, one recipe at a time!”
~Sumana S.
KTK since 2024
“I’m thrilled to be cooking with all of you! I grew up in a big family with 6 kids and l aways helped my Mom cook. Now, I’m married and have two daughters of my own. They are both athletes and I enjoy cooking and meal planning for the entire team! I have my Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health. I love to travel and try exotic foods from other countries. On the weekends I like to go hiking with my dog, Lucky, and swim in the ocean.”
~Mazie H.
KTK since 2024
“I am a Registered Dietitian with a love of positivity and making food fun! Outside of KTK, I help people with gut issues and personalized recipes around food restrictions like allergies/intolerances/preferences!”
~Rachel H.
KTK since 2024
“Hi everyone! My name is Nicole – I am a registered dietitian with a dual degree in Nutrition and Biology – I really enjoyed science in college, clearly. I am passionate about working out, cooking and baking. So excited to be a part of the KTK team and cannot wait to inspire passion for cooking in young children!”
~Nicole Z.
KTK since 2024
“Hello! I’m Jeanette and I am excited to be part of the KTK team! My food-philosophy is there is a place for all foods in a healthy diet. I love food practices that involve sustainability and trying new things. As a dietitian, I work with seniors and lead worksite wellness programs. When I’m not facilitating KTK groups or working, I enjoy kickboxing, dancing, reading, crafting and board gaming with my family. Happy eating to all!”
~Jeanette S.
KTK since 2024
“Hi! I’m Alisa! I am a former Pre-K teacher and proud mom of two young adults. I was raised by my Dad, an amazing cook, and my Mom, an amazing baker. Food is love in my family and I enjoy cooking nutritious and delicious meals and treats with and for my family and friends. Some of my most amazing memories were made around our family table. In my spare time I enjoy the beach, time in nature, craft and home projects and reading. I am excited to share my love of cooking and working with children as a facilitator with KTK!”
~Alisa O.
KTK since 2025
“Hello! I am Joana, I am a mother of 2 who loves to cook in family. I am Portuguese, thus my recipes are often inspired in Mediterranean cuisine. I also love to travel and try the flavors of the places I visit! I am truly excited to be part of the KTK team!”
~Joana M.
KTK since 2025
“I’ve had a love for cooking and hospitality since childhood. I still own a copy of my first cookbook: Betty Crocker’s Cooking for Boys & Girls – which I’m sure is an antique! Having a child with severe food allergies in the late 1990’s (when education on the subject was minimal, at best) became the catalyst for mostly scratch cooking in our home. When my children were teens I entered culinary school and began working in professional kitchens which has been a labor of love. I currently work in a local boarding school kitchen during the academic year, and work as a caterer in the summer months. I am really excited to begin working with Kids’ Test Kitchen. I enjoy sharing all of the fun and creativity that can be found in the kitchen!”
~Dina D.
KTK since 2025
“Hello! My name is Ali, and I am a registered dietitian and certified athletic trainer. I love all things cooking and eating and finding ways to combine them with an overall healthy lifestyle! I am passionate about working with kids to foster curiosity, and find enjoyment in exploring new and fun ways to play and learn about new foods/meals. I am a new mom and have just opened my nutrition coaching practice, but I still enjoy cooking and baking new things in my spare time, especially for my son as he navigates new foods. Family favorites are baked ziti and meatballs or French toast casserole! I look forward to having fun with food in the KTK classes!”
~Ali G.
KTK since 2025
“My name is Amira and I just graduated from college and am working at a hotel as the F&B supervisor. I love baking and my favorite food is falafel and hummus.”
~Amira K.
KTK since 2025
“I’m Dr. Qianzhi (pronounced: Changee). I am a registered dietitian based in Natick, MA. Growing up in China, I have always been fascinated by the magic that happens in the kitchen. As a mother of two with 10+ years in research and higher education, I empower working parents to raise healthy, happy kids while taking care of themselves, at work and at home. In my free time, I love cooking with my own kids and exploring nature with them.”
~Qianzhi J.
KTK since 2025