Meet the awesome folks behind The Kids’ Table. They bring their all to the table every day - to every single program, and for every single child and family. Their passion, inspiration and joy are what fuel The Kids’ Table. They are truly what make The Kids’ Table a special place!
Elena Marre
Founder/Owner
with KT since 2007
I started calling Chicago home back in 1998. After a short career as a tax attorney, I set out to turn my passions for cooking and healthy food into my life’s work. I was especially interested in how to get kids to eat healthy (as a mom of two young children at the time). And in 2007, The Kids’ Table was born. I am as in love today with The Kids’ Table and our mission as I was back then - maybe even more so!
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I spend much of my time now booking programs, thinking big picture strategy, and making sure bills are getting paid. Each day, month and year at The Kids’ Table brings new opportunities and challenges. I’m grateful that with The Kids’ Table in my life, I will never have a shortage of personal growth moments! I still get to teach virtual classes here and there - which is not only fun, but keeps me inspired and connected to why we do what we do.
When I’m not at The Kids’ Table, I enjoy spending time with my partner, hanging out with my kids (now 22 and 25!), chilling with my kitty, growing food, and (of course) cooking! I also teach meditation classes and volunteer at Kadampa Meditation Center Madison, am an avid runner, and just started doing yoga and playing piano again.
My Favorite KT Recipe: Easy Being Green DIp - it’s a Greek-yogurt based dip packed with dark leafy greens, that tastes like a cross between Spinach Artichoke Dip and French Onion Dip!
Jessica Amend
Instructor
with KT since 2017
I joined The Kids’ Table in 2017 as an in-person instructor. The pandemic broadened my teaching capacities, and I was surprised by how much I love the virtual format! My interest in food started young – watching my mom cook and doing “cooking shows” and baking with my sister. Today inspiration comes from family members, cookbooks, food-related podcasts and bits of ingredients in my fridge that I don’t want to waste.
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The Kids’ Table gives me the opportunity to work with children of all ages, near and far. My favorite part about cooking with kids is helping kids realize how the foods they enjoy can be made from scratch. Also as an an educator at heart, I love helping young cooks see how cooking incorporates every school subject in a purposeful way.
In addition to work for The Kids’ Table, I am a Chef Assistant, blog writer, and curriculum developer at Chicago’s only recreational cooking school, The Chopping Block.
My Favorite KT Recipe: It is impossible to pick just one... Veggie Burgers, S’mores Blondies, Thai Nachos