Meet the Chefs

Gill Boyd, a Certified Executive Chef and Culinary Educator, brings forty years of experience in food and hospitality. He studied at Johnson & Wales University and Le Cordon Bleu Paris, spent nearly a decade teaching at Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles, served as Head Chef at The Farmers Kitchen in Hollywood, and worked as Assistant Resident Chef at Sur La Table in both Los Angeles and New York City. Currently, Chef Gill teaches at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Follow him on Instagram @gillchef.

Brian Bennett is a seasoned culinary professional with extensive experience in the food and beverages industry, including catering, hospitality, culinary management, and roles as a private chef and consultant. He has taught at Hudson Table in Hoboken and Eat Clean Bro, LLC, and is a graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy with a degree in Culinary Arts. Chef Brian specializes in Southern cooking, Texan ranch cuisine, New Orleans-inspired dishes, and classic French techniques, bringing depth and versatility to his craft. Follow him on Instagram @chefbrianbennett.

Lena Barnett began her baking career in high school at a local Maplewood bakery. While studying at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, she traveled to France and Italy to refine her pastry skills. She earned an Associate’s degree in Baking & Pastry Arts, a Bachelor’s in Food Service Management with a concentration in Contemporary Pastry Arts, and an MBA with a focus on Hospitality. Chef Lena now runs her own cottage business, Lena’s In the Mix Bakery, putting her own unique spin on classic recipes. Follow her on Instagram @inthemixbakery.

Karen Nicholas began her baking career at a local Maplewood bakery, where she trained new staff and led teams during the busy holiday season. A self-taught baker with a talent for perfect pie crusts and much more, Chef Karen also runs her own cottage bakery business. In addition to her work as an instructor at Kitchen Table, you can follow her on Instagram @mapsosweet.

Lori Bright brings her genuine passion for cooking to every class she teaches. As the Lead Instructor for Classes and Camps at Kitchen Table, she combines her love of cooking with her devotion to children, drawing on 15 years of experience as a preschool teacher and a culinary instructor at a sleepaway camp. Before pursuing her culinary path, Chef Lori had a successful career in private banking at Citibank. She holds a degree from Binghamton University, an MBA in Finance from Adelphi University, and is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NYC.

Andrew Laracuente brings over 13 years of culinary expertise, including becoming an Executive Chef at just 24 years old. He has worked in some of New York City’s most dynamic kitchens and is the founder of Heartfelt Hospitality, offering private chef services, bespoke catering, and cooking classes. Chef Andrew specializes in blending bold flavors, thoughtful presentation, and personalized service to create memorable dining experiences. His work reflects a commitment to the art of hospitality and the belief that every dish tells a story worth sharing. Follow him on Instagram @heartfelthospitalityinc.

Sierra Taylor is a mom, wife, and University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Biopsychology—but she’s also a cake artist with over 16 years of experience creating sculpted fondant cakes, cookies, and cupcakes that have wowed audiences and clients alike. Her talents have earned her features with Netflix, The Food Network, and Cake Central Magazine. At Kitchen Table, she brings her creativity to life, working on nearly all of the kids birthday parties. Beyond the kitchen, Sierra is a certified yoga instructor, sound bath practitioner, and Reiki healer, passionate about helping people find their zen and using her artistry to inspire and heal. Follow her on Instagram @sierramercedestaylor.

As Senior Coordinator for Adult Classes and Events, Dawn brings a gift for creating memorable experiences to Kitchen Table. A former fashion editor at Seventeen magazine, she traded her press pass to raise her two children, Lucy and Emmett, and share her passion for yoga with preschoolers. Dedicated to teaching kids how to regulate their emotions and rock a killer tree pose, Dawn has taught hundreds of local 2-to-5-year-olds and designed the mindfulness rooms at Tuscan Elementary, Maplewood Middle, and Columbia High School. Following in her mother’s footsteps as an event planner, Dawn makes every Kitchen Table gathering feel warm and welcoming. Married to a New Englander, she’s on a mission to visit every lobster shack along the coast of Maine—because everything is better with melted butter!