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.
Brigid Danaher
Margaret Shapland
Margaret Shapland
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Brigid. I love working with both food and children, so Food Explorers is the perfect combination of my passions. I chose to pursue nutrition because I am passionate about helping others build a positive and confident relationship with food. I also love cooking for others and experimenting in the kitchen, especially when trying new recipes and flavors from different cuisines. Some of my favorite things to make are brown butter banana bread and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. I can’t wait to cook, learn, and have fun with everyone!
Brigid is currently a junior at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Nutritional Sciences.
Brigid has been a part of the Food Explorers team since Summer 2026
Margaret Shapland
Margaret Shapland
Margaret Shapland
Instructor
Hi! My name is Maggie Shapland. I am very passionate about cooking, baking, and trying tasty food! Some of my favorite recipes to make are chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and carrot cake. I am a junior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Nutritional Sciences. I chose this path because my goal is to become a registered dietitian and aid individuals with nutrition-related issues.
Maggie is currently pursuing a Nutritional Sciences degree at the University of Connecticut.
Maggie has been a part of the Food Explorers team since Summer 2026
Aaron LaRose
Daniela Echavarria
Daniela Echavarria
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Aaron. I love working with kids, so this opportunity is a great way for me to combine that with my passion for food. I chose to study nutrition because I want to help other athletes, like myself, feel their best and perform at their highest level. I currently play college baseball at USJ, and I understand how important nutrition is for both performance and overall well-being.
I also really enjoy baking, especially making cookies using my secret hometown ingredient—maple syrup! I love experimenting in the kitchen and finding new ways to make recipes both fun and delicious. I’m looking forward to cooking, learning, and having a great time with everyone!
Aaron is currently pursuing both a degree in Nutrition and in Public Health at the University of Saint Joseph, CT.
Aaron has been a part of the Food Explorers team since Summer 2026
Daniela Echavarria
Daniela Echavarria
Daniela Echavarria
Instructor
Hi everyone! My name is Daniela. I am passionate about helping kids build confidence in the kitchen while learning about nutrition in a fun, hands-on way. My love for cooking started early, from rushing home to try new recipes I found online to watching the Food Network while doing homework in elementary school. One of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received was a KitchenAid stand mixer in fifth grade, and I still use it all the time today! I especially enjoy making recipes inspired by Hispanic and Caribbean flavors, influenced by my background, and I love exploring new cuisines whenever I can. For the past five summers, I have worked as a lifeguard, aquatics lead, and assistant aquatics director, where I discovered how much I enjoy working with kids and creating a fun, supportive environment. Outside of the kitchen, I enjoy going to the beach, playing soccer, and attending music festivals. I’m looking forward classes filled with cooking, creativity, and helping kids discover new foods and skills!
Daniela is currently pursuing her B.S. in Dietetics and M.S. in Health Promotion Sciences from the University of Connecticut.
Daniela has been a part of the Food Explorers team since Summer 2026
Christina Rendon
Christina Rendon
Christina Rendon
Instructor
Hi! I truly believe anyone can cook and I love encouraging eaters of all ages to develop a love of cooking. I turned my passion for all things food into creating products you may find at your grocery store! I love to share my knowledge of the food industry, food facts, and general love of all things food. I am at my happiest when I am hosting dinner parties, gardening, reading, or crafting. I love to cook all things, but especially enjoy leaning into local produce and seasonal recipes! My favorite food is pomegranates, and I go to Boston every Fall to buy them by the case!
I can't wait to cook, learn, and explore with everyone!
Christina obtained her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern and has worked in the Food Industry doing Product Development for the last 10 years.
Christina has been part of the Food Explorers team since Fall 2026
Louis Gaudet
Christina Rendon
Christina Rendon
Instructor
Hi everyone, my name is Louis. Growing up on my family’s farm along the Georgia coast, the kitchen was the heart of our home. Whether I was picking veggies straight from the garden or teaming up with my family to whip up meals, I quickly realized that food has a magical way of bringing people together and making every gathering special. Those joyful, messy, delicious moments sparked my love for cooking and fueled my passion for sharing that excitement with curious young minds.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll usually find me hiking through the woods or snapping nature photos, always on the lookout for inspiration in the great outdoors! I also love to host friends for home-cooked feasts, board games, and plenty of laughter, living fully in the moment and savoring every bit of connection.
Louis is currently in the process of earning their degree in Art and Psychology at Texas Women’s University with the goal of becoming an Art Therapist.
Louis has been a part of the Food Explorers team since Fall 2025
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