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 behind the scenes on program development, supporting our awesome team, and making sure the 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 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 hanging out with my kids (now 19 and 21!), chilling with my cats, gardening, and (of course) cooking! I also teach meditation classes at Kadampa Meditation Center Chicago, am an avid runner, and just started 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!
Pam Jones
Marketing Coordinator + Instructor
with KT since 2015
After retiring from a long career in advertising, I was lucky enough to stumble upon The Kids’ Table in the spring of 2015 just as they were opening their 2nd location in Lakeview. After raising 2 kids and being from a family of self proclaimed “foodies”, The Kids’ Table seemed like the perfect way to fill my time now that I was an empty nester looking for a second career.
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Over the years I’ve found my niche, which is teaching the youngest of chefs at The Kids Table. I LOVE working with these little chefs - they keep me young & bring such incredible joy to my life! Aside from teaching, I’m also the Marketing Manager for The Kids’ Table. It is very rewarding for me to be able to utilize some of the skills & resources I acquired as an agency Art Director to help keep this amazing business growing!
When I’m not at The Kids’ Table, you might find me digging in the garden, playing with my grandson, or cooking with my kids & family - all of which live in the Chicago area.
My Favorite KT Recipe: It's so hard to choose just one. The Watermelon Salad, Tomato Goat Cheese Tart and Rustic Apple Pies are all delicious! I’ve shared these recipes so often with my family that they are now perennial faves for our family dinners as well!
Jessica Amend
Instructor
with KT since 2019
My interest in food started young - watching my mom cook, and doing “cooking shows” and baking with my sister. I’m a full time teacher, so I love working with children. While teaching a summer school cooking class I discovered my passion for teaching kids to cook. I love how cooking incorporates every school subject in a purposeful way. I also like to help kids realize how foods they enjoy can be made from scratch. The Kids’ Table gives me the opportunity to work with children of all ages and develop my own cooking skills and food knowledge - the best of both worlds!
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My days at The Kids' Table are typically spent leading camps in the summer. During the school year you can find me teaching virtually.
When I am not at The Kids' Table, I teach fifth graders math and science. I sing in a choir, enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, being active, and cooking for others.
My Favorite KT Recipe: It is impossible to pick just one... Veggie Burgers, S’mores Blondies, Thai Nachos
Heather Riesenberg
Instructor
with KT since 2022
I fell in love with cooking through the lens of food justice in college, where I studied food justice and urban gardening. After school, I moved to Chicago and began tutoring highschoolers and discovered I also had a passion for working with kids. Now at The Kids' Table, I've found a place where I can combine both!
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My days at The Kids' Table are spent sharing my love of fresh ingredients and unique recipes in hopes of inspiring youth to see cooking as an outlet for creativity that is also nourishing and sustainable.
When I am not at The Kids' Table I like to enjoy the outdoors through biking, playing ultimate frisbee, and jumping in the lake.
My Favorite KT Recipe: Tofu Pad Thai - simply delicious!!