KELLEY BLIGH, she/her - Executive Director

Kelley is a licensed master social worker and has worked with the neurodiverse population since 2014. Kelley approaches all programs and participants with a strengths-based approach, assumes participants’ competency, and creates a safe space where everyone can try new things and grow. She believes that everyone should know how to cook and that anyone can cook successfully with the right supports and resources—which is why Culikid exists. She works to make sure that everyone has the same access and opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their diagnosis and past opportunities. The first thing Kelley learned to make in the kitchen was chocolate chip cookies. She still enjoys baking and cooking and is on a constant quest to find her next favorite recipe.

KRISTIE CABRERA-ROBLEDO, they/them - Program Manager

Kristie is a licensed occupational therapist which means that she understands how physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges can impact a person's ability to engage in meaningful activities, like cooking. Through this understanding she develops and modifies Culikid’s programs to best support participants. She is also passionate about accessibility and inclusivity and believes that cooking can be accessible to everyone given the right support and environment. When it comes to supporting participants in the kitchen, her teaching approach is grounded in the belief that it is best to meet a person where they are. The first thing Kristie learned to cook well is rice, a staple in her family’s meals. Right now, she is learning how to make different kinds of soups and finding the perfect balance of spices and seasonings.

EMAN FARIS, she/her - Program Manager

Eman is a public health advocate with eight years of experience developing and managing public health programs. She has a strong passion for nutrition and cooking, which started around 10 years old when her mom was diagnosed with diabetes. She began joining her mom in the kitchen to recreate cultural dishes that used healthier ingredients and cooking techniques. Later on, Eman decided to pursue a Bachelors and then her Masters of Public Health to help prevent disease, reduce health disparities, and improve health outcomes; especially in marginalized communities. Eman is excited to combine her passion of nutrition, cooking, and working with young people in her new role as a Program Manager at Culikid. She looks forward to connecting with participants and understanding how Culikid can improve, expand, or design programs to better meet their needs. She strongly believes that cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should be able to access and wants people to find joy in preparing a meal for themselves or to share with loved ones. The first thing Eman learned to cook as a child was pancakes! Today, breakfast is still her favorite meal of the day :).

NUJAT NAWRIN, she/her - Program Supervisor

Nuj is a social worker with over a decade of experience working with neurodiverse young people. Nuj has a Master of Social Work and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, which allows her to approach both programming and participants with a creative, strengths-based lens. She strives to foster a welcoming program environment where all folks can express themselves, experiment and learn, as she believes that cooking can be accessible for everyone given the right support. Nuj integrates client goals into Culikid’s program offerings and particularly enjoys finding opportunities for participants to incorporate their individual interests into recipes. The first thing Nuj learned to make in the kitchen was brownies. She loves cooking and is still experimenting with new, delicious ways to eat chocolate to this day.

DEVIN DONAHUE, she/her - Chef Instructor

Devin is pursuing a Master’s in Social Work and has a Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Public Health. With a deep appreciation for the connection between food, community, and emotional well-being, Devin brings a strengths-based and inclusive approach to her work with clients and their families. Growing up, food was a way her family and close friends came together, and she continues to view cooking as a way to build connection and share joy. Her passion for cooking began in her family kitchen, helping her mom prepare dinner. The first thing Devin learned to cook was chocolate chip cookies. Today, she finds joy in baking for others and experimenting with new recipes. Some of her favorite dishes to make are orzo salad, smashed potatoes, and veggie chili.

MISSY DORSEY, she/her - Administrative Assistant

Missy has a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and supports operations at Culikid. She has a deep interest in other cultures and enjoys seeing how food can bring people together. With accessibility and inclusivity in mind, she believes cooking can help everyone build confidence, cultivate life skills, and foster meaningful connections. With Creole roots, the first thing Missy learned to make in the kitchen was red beans and rice. In her free time, she enjoys studying Japanese and Korean, staying active, and learning about dinosaurs with her 5 year old.

CLAIRE GROSSMAN, she/her - Occupational Therapy Facilitator

Claire is a licensed occupational therapist who is passionate both about cooking and helping others achieve their goals. She believes that learning to cook is such an important skill that should be available to anyone wanting to learn. Through the OT lens, Claire is able to break down recipes into bite size pieces and modify them accordingly so that they can be accessible to everyone. She is passionate about creating a safe space that builds confidence both in the Culi kitchen and at home. Claire’s interest in the kitchen started through helping her mom and dad cook dinner every night. Some of her favorite recipes to make are baked chicken tacos, pad thai, and stir fry.

MEGAN JAMISON, she/her - Administrative Assistant

Megan has a Bachelor’s degree in History and a background in healthcare administration and small business operations. As a self-proclaimed late bloomer in the kitchen, she is thrilled to be supporting the mission of Culikid. She finds the practice of cooking to be creative, therapeutic, and confidence-boosting. She especially loves to cook when the weather turns brisk and cold, experimenting with hearty soups, stews, and chilis. She has recently begun exploring home gardening, with the goal of making all her own ingredients for her favorite homemade pico de gallo recipe. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two very spoiled dogs, Benson and JuneBug.

ANNALESIA LAW, she/her - Group Program Instructor

Annalesia Law is a lifelong food lover who has experience teaching parents and K-12 students how to cook healthy, culturally diverse food. She believes that accessible cooking is important in giving everyone a sense of freedom over how they nourish their bodies. Her favorite recipes to make are chana masala, five-spice tofu, and apple pie. The first dish she learned to make was chicken tenders, and she uses that knowledge now to make fried tofu fingers.

ANTON LIANG, he/him - Program Assistant

Anton is a senior at Nest+M in the Lower East Side. He has worked with CuliKid for over four years and is currently working with the Foodie Friends program. He organized 2 Five-Boro Bike Fundraiser for CuliKid, raising over $10,000 through grants and community events to support inclusive culinary initiatives. Anton first learned to cook from his grandmother, and cooking has been a key part of his life ever since. Starting with baking pies for his family's Thanksgiving gatherings, he continues to explore new recipes, enjoying dishes like pasta, dumplings, and desserts. He loves traveling around NYC and the world, discovering and trying new foods, which fuels his passion for experimenting with diverse flavors in his cooking. Passionate about accessible cooking, Anton believes that learning to cook fosters independence, creativity, and confidence, making it an essential life skill for everyone.

CARMEN MERAZ-LARSON, she/her - Chef Instructor

Carmen is a dedicated advocate for inclusive support strategies and is passionate about promoting self efficacy through play. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and has over 4 years of experience working with neurodiverse people. She believes that everyone deserves to feel empowered in the kitchen, and that cooking can be a fun way to get to know yourself, your loved ones, and your culture. The first thing Carmen learned to cook was scrambled eggs. Now she enjoys making veggie wraps, salmon bowls, and is working on perfecting her banana breakfast muffins.

SAM PACKER, she/her - Occupational Therapy Assistant

Samantha Packer is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who facilitates cooking programs at Culikid. Samantha believes in the power of cooking to bring people together, and loves the inclusive nature of a kitchen. One of the first things Samantha learned to cook was cinnamon buns, but today loves to make all different types of soups. When not working, Samantha loves playing tennis, studying the Italian language, and walking in Central Park with her dog, Winnie. 

SOPHIA RIZZUTO, she/her - Nutritionist Facilitator

Sophia is a recent graduate of her nutrition masters program and is on her way to becoming a registered dietitian. Her time with Culikid began as her community rotation site in part of her dietetic internship, and she now leads some of Culikid’s virtual classes. She has grown up loving food her whole life and began to cook at a very young age. This played a large part in her decision to study nutrition all throughout her collegiate career. She is always trying new recipes and works to add nutrient-dense foods to many dishes. When it comes to food, she never asks what should be restricted from, but rather what can be added into the diet. She loves to give tips and tricks in the kitchen during her classes and supports participants with simple and fun instructions. The first thing Sophia learned to make was eggplant parmesan with her grandfather, something her family eats at almost every gathering. She loves to cook and bake in her free time and test recipes of her own.

AMALIA ROLLMANN, she/her - Program Assistant

Amalia is a student at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Ever since Amalia was in pre-school, she always jumped at the offer to help in the kitchen. Every summer she collects apricot’s fresh from her Nonna’s tree and baking apricot tart is her most favorite thing to make. Being able to cook or prepare a meal is one of the most satisfying and sustainable things any person can do. Amalia believes that cooking is not only an essential skill all people can achieve at some level for themselves, but it also has the potential to allow one to share and create community with others.

SHAKIMA WASHINGTON, she/her - Chef Facilitator

Shakima is a certified special education teacher with a passion for cooking. As an educator, she likes guiding and revealing the potential a student didn't know they could possess. She believes all individuals regardless of disability deserve the opportunity to participate in any and every activity as their peers. Shakima grew up with her eyes glued to watching the Food Network channel. She sees chefs as artists that construct edible creations. The first dish she learned to make on her own as a kid was scrambled eggs. Her favorite food to eat is baked macaroni and cheese, and her favorite things to make are assortments of cakes and cookies. Shakima hopes to open her own bakery one day and be able to facilitate cooking lessons in the shop. When she’s not cooking, she enjoy watching crime fiction shows, reading, writing poetry, and exploring museums/exhibits.