Katie Shepherd, RD
Owner/Director
Working with children has always been my goal, and I've been able to combine my two passions within Food Explorers: working with kids and cooking. As a Registered Dietitian, my goal has always been to introduce children to delicious, tasty and healthy food.
I graduated from UCONN in 2015 and started working at the WIC program. I then transitioned to a Retail Dietitian with ShopRite before leaving to start Food Explorers
Food Explorers wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the support of every single library, school, Girl Scout Troop, Parks & Rec department and most importantly, the parents and children that make up the Food Explorers family.
Lara Paciorek
Assistant Director
Lara’s favorite place to be is in the kitchen! She loves teaching children how to cook and helping them build confidence with their cooking skills. It is her mission to help people appreciate all the delicious ways foods can be prepared. Lara believes all foods have a place on your plate. Her favorite foods are waffles, sushi, and strawberry rhubarb pie.
During her time as a preschool teacher in Hartford, Connecticut she enjoyed growing vegetable gardens, exploring foods, and making recipes with her class. Her love for learning about food with her class inspired her to further her education in nutrition.
Lara received her B.S. in Nutrition and Wellness from the University of Saint Joseph, CT. She received her A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Manchester Community College, CT.
Emma Geitz
Katrina Zahner
Lauren Harper
Lead Instructor
Hi, my name is Emma and I’m originally from Norwalk, CT, where I grew up boating and spending time on the Long Island Sound. Being on the water has always been a big part of my life. I have extensive experience working with children through volunteer roles at the Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stones Children’s Museum. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with Food Explorers in the past, and found it incredibly rewarding to help children explore food in a fun and supportive environment. I’m especially passionate about promoting food neutrality and helping kids build positive, lasting relationships with food. Outside of work, I enjoy running (I recently completed my first half marathon), cooking with family, and spending time with my niece and nephew.
Emma is currently pursuing a M.S. in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and begins her dietetic internship with Yale New Haven Hospital in January 2026. She received her B.S. in Nutrition with a minor in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Lauren Harper
Katrina Zahner
Lauren Harper
Instructor
Hello! My name is Lauren Harper, and I was born and raised in Worcester, MA. Living with a dairy allergy my whole life sparked my interest in both nutrition and cooking, as I’ve always had to get creative in the kitchen to make delicious and balanced meals I can enjoy. That experience helped fuel my passion for helping others find joy in food, no matter their dietary needs. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will be continuing on to earn my master’s and become a Registered Dietitian. Some of my favorite foods are chocolate chip cookies, spaghetti and meatballs, and pretty much anything breakfast-related! I’m so excited to help the kids become mini chefs and watch them grow in confidence as they try new things in the kitchen. When I’m not cooking or learning about nutrition, I love playing field hockey and spending time with friends.
Lauren is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science on the dietetics track at the University of Connecticut.
Katrina Zahner
Katrina Zahner
Katrina Zahner
Instructor
Hi! My name is Katrina and I am very excited to combine my passions of teaching, food, and working with children as a Food Explorers instructor this summer. I have worked with Husky Nutrition & Sport to deliver educational programs on nutrition & physical activity. I was a FoodCorps member in Lowell, MA focusing on school nutrition initiatives. This past year, I have been doing another year with FoodCorps, this time in Middletown, CT as a food educator. I teach elementary and middle school students about what’s in food, how to prepare it, how to grow it, and the importance of trying new things. Eating food is a necessary part of everyday life, and in my opinion, this makes education about and exposure to new foods very important. I love that through this role I will be encouraging kids to make and try new foods through a food neutral lens (I am a strong believer that no food is solely good or bad)! Some of my favorite foods to make are halloumi tacos with mango salsa, mediterranean bowls, and sourdough bread. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, traveling, photography, and gardening.
Katrina received her B.S. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut.
Jess Leach
Mia Ouellette
Mia Ouellette
Instructor
Hi there! My name is Jess and I was born and raised in Milford, NH. I moved down to CT in 2015 when I began studying at UConn. I took a few years off before graduating where I worked as a job coach for adults with disabilities in Windham, CT and then returned to school to finish my degree. I also spent 3 years working in outdoor recreation at the Adventure Park at Storrs and loved the time I spent with kids encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things in the outdoors.
I have been working with Food Explorers as an after-school program instructor this past school year. I am passionate about youth education and empowerment as I believe children are so important to this world and the future of it. Getting to lead programs that introduce kids to different foods and cooking skills that will help them throughout their lives has been such a joy and I’m excited to continue this summer.
When I’m not working I love to spend time in the woods by a river, crafting, watching and reading mysteries, and playing with my two cats Oliver and Jazzy. Looking forward to cooking with you soon!
Jess received their B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Human Rights from the University of Connecticut.
Mia Ouellette
Mia Ouellette
Mia Ouellette
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Mia Ouellette and I am so excited to be returning for my second year at Food Explorers! I have worked with kids for about 6 years now and getting to incorporate food science, cooking, and nutrition to teach kids is an absolute dream. I cannot wait for this summer!
Mia is currently pursuing a M.S. in Nutrition and enrolled in the Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Saint Joseph, CT. She received her B.S. in Nutrition as well as a minor in Psychological Sciences from Miami University.
Remi DeSmith
Mia Ouellette
Remi DeSmith
Instructor
Hello, my name is Remi DeSmith I am a passionate individual committed to helping others become the best versions of themselves. I am a dual sport athlete on both hockey and lacrosse teams while studying psychology. In addition to teaching at Food Explorers, I am a nutritional coach certified by Precision Nutrition. Growing up an athlete I was always taught the importance of good food and quickly fell in love with making and subsequently enjoying well-crafted meals. The opportunity to share this passion with aspiring children is exciting. I look forward to helping them embrace their passion for cooking and to grow as individuals.
Remi is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Hiram College.
Jenna Verrengia
Jenna Verrengia
Jenna Verrengia
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Jenna Verrengia. I am new to the Food Explorers team and cannot wait for the summer season! I have lived in West Hartford, Connecticut my whole life and love to spend my time cooking up new recipes in the kitchen. Learning about nutrition and how to be the best version of ourselves is a great passion of mine and has been my whole life. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I will be continuing on to earn my master’s and become a Registered Dietitian. Becoming a Registered Dietitian is a huge goal of mine as is sharing my knowledge and love for food.
Jenna is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph, CT.
Brianna Stepule
Jenna Verrengia
Jenna Verrengia
Instructor
Hi! My name is Brianna, and I was born and raised in Glastonbury, CT. Cooking and baking have always been passions of mine. I love to make cookies and banana bread, though I am always trying out new recipes. I’m excited to share this love for food with children and help teach them the fun and value of cooking. I am studying to become a Registered Dietitian and hoping to take my exam this summer! When I’m not working or studying; I enjoy hiking, reading, and relaxing on the beach.
Brianna is currently pursuing a M.S. in Nutrition and enrolled in the Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Saint Joseph, CT. She received her B.S. in Nutrition from the University of Saint Joseph, CT.
Jillian LaRosa
Jenna Verrengia
Jillian LaRosa
Instructor
Hi! My name is Jillian LaRosa. I was born and raised in Connecticut. I decided to enter the field of nutrition to learn about how the food we eat affects our health and share my knowledge with others. A lot of false information about food is posted online, so I want to help people understand what are facts and what are myths. After I complete my Bachelor’s, I’m planning on working towards my Master's and completing a dietetic internship to become a Registered Dietitian! Some of my favorite foods are banana bread, grilled cheese, and cobb salads. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy playing guitar, working out, and going to the beach. I’m very excited to be part of the Food Explorers team and share my love of food with the students in my classes!
Jillian is currently pursuing a dual major degree in Nutrition Dietetics and Ecogastronomy at the University of New Hampshire.
Ava Mancini
Keziah Rodriguez
Keziah Rodriguez
Instructor
Hello! I am Ava and I was born and raised in Trumbull, CT! My love of cooking started at a
young age when I would grab ingredients from my grandparents’ garden and we would go inside and craft a meal. As I got older, I learned more about food and the importance of nutrition. My goal is to spread the knowledge I have gained in a positive and digestible way! In my free time, I love taking my dogs for walks, doing yoga, being outside in nature and trying out new coffee shops!
Ava is currently pursuing a M.S. in Nutrition and Health Promotion Science at Simmons University and begins her dietetic internship in Fall 2025. She received her B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition at Clemson University. .
Keziah Rodriguez
Keziah Rodriguez
Keziah Rodriguez
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Keziah, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut. I aim to create a fun, welcoming environment where kids feel confident, inspired, and excited to bring their new cooking skills home. Outside of the kitchen, I enjoy reading, painting, and photography. I am thrilled to be returning to Food Explorers this summer! I am passionate about both teaching and food, and I am especially excited to combine these two loves this summer.
Keziah is currently pursuing a B.S. in English on an education track at the University of Connecticut.
Josie Aja
Keziah Rodriguez
Josie Aja
Instructor
Hello! My name is Josie Aja and I was born and raised in Monroe, CT. For as long as I can remember I have loved cooking and baking. As I have gotten older, I have learned about and developed an interest in the importance of nutrition and having a positive and healthy relationship with food. I am new to the Food Explorers team and am eager to teach nutrition through a fun, approachable, and creative lens. My ultimate goal is to explore the intersection between food equity, health, and environmental justice. In my free time, I love to spend time outside, make art, exercising, and trying out new recipes!
Josie is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in nutrition, sustainability, and society at the University of Vermont.
Rachael Whitney, RD
Michelle Bostrup, RD
Rachael Whitney, RD
Instructor
Hello everyone! My name is Rachael Whitney, and I was born and raised in Connecticut. I am a Registered Dietitian but have always loved finding and trying out new recipes in my kitchen at home. I am looking forward to passing on my love of cooking and baking with all the children that pass through my classes. Some of my favorite things to make are zucchini bread, apple pie and pizza. When I am not working, I enjoy reading, gardening and crafting.
Rachael received her M.S. and B.S. as well as completed her dietetic internship at the University of Saint Joseph, CT.
Joseph Oliva, RD
Michelle Bostrup, RD
Rachael Whitney, RD
Instructor
Hi there! I’m Joseph. When I’m not working as a Neonatal Dietitian supporting the tiniest patients and their families, you can find me sharing my love of food as a cooking and baking instructor with Food Explorers. My goal is to help create positive food experiences for children from the very beginning—whether that’s in the hospital or the kitchen. I believe that learning to enjoy food starts early, and I’m passionate about making that journey fun, flavorful, and empowering.
Joseph received his B.S. in Dietetics from the University of Connecticut.
Michelle Bostrup, RD
Michelle Bostrup, RD
Michelle Bostrup, RD
Instructor
Hello, my name is Michelle. My background includes years of teaching both adults and children, including my own three children, the principles of healthy eating and the joy of trying new foods. It is widely known that making healthy food choices every day is paramount for good health, but it is often
challenging to make those choices. Between the number of new foods showing up on store shelves and the often-confusing nutrition messages presented in the media, making decisions
about what is best to feed ourselves and our families can be difficult. For this reason, I chose nutrition as my field of study and have made helping children and families understandthese principles and their relationship to lifelong health a priority.
The absolute best part about working with children, is seeing their excitement and sense of accomplishment when they complete a recipe and taste what they have made. This sense of accomplishment, along with a newly developed understanding that foods can be healthy and delicious, increases the likelihood that they will go on to be true “Food Explorers”. Individuals who understand the relationship between food choices and health while trying and enjoying foods they may have otherwise ignored.
I am excited to be part of a team that strives to make their classes engaging, supportive and fun. Where each student has a chance to build their skills in the kitchen, develop a curiosity about unfamiliar foods and understand that food choices are an important factor in overall
health.