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At Kids in the Kitchen, cooking is the vehicle but confidence, teamwork, leadership, and learning are the destination.

Cathy McCarthy smiling in her Kids in the Kitchen apron while two girls decorate cupcakes

Our mission

Our mission is to teach math, science, and life skills through hands-on cooking. We combine STEM learning, social-emotional learning (SEL), teamwork, creativity, confidence, leadership, and problem-solving in an engaging experience children genuinely enjoy.

Cathy McCarthy outdoors with a group of her early students

Our story

Cathy McCarthy created Kids in the Kitchen, which started as “Nutri-Kids” at St. Cecilia’s Elementary School in Stamford.

After Covid closed the program, Cathy brought it back in Greenwich.

Today our instructors bring hands-on cooking to preschools, elementary schools, and camps throughout Fairfield County.

Cathy McCarthy in her Kids in the Kitchen apron, stirring batter in the kitchen

Meet Our Creator

Cathy McCarthy, Owner & Director

With a passion for wellness, education, and childhood development, Cathy is the heart and soul behind Kids in the Kitchen. As a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Master Life Coach, she brings a unique, whole-child approach to every cooking experience. She’s also VIRTUS trained and certified, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all young chefs.

A devoted mother of four, Cathy understands firsthand the value of building confidence and independence through hands-on learning. Over the past 15+ years, she has grown Kids in the Kitchen into a beloved program that blends fun with education, empowering children to explore the joys of cooking while learning essential life skills. Her mission is to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and bring families together, one delicious recipe at a time.

  • Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
  • Master Life Coach
  • VIRTUS Trained
  • ServSafe Certified

Experienced.Caring.Creative.

Stephanie Bernheimer, Lead Instructor and Assistant Director

Stephanie Bernheimer

Lead Instructor & Assistant Director

Stephanie Bernheimer brings over a decade of passion and expertise to Kids in the Kitchen. With a Master’s degree in Education and more than 10 years as an instructor with the program, Stephanie is dedicated to creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that stick with children far beyond the kitchen.

Masters in Education, 10+ Years Experience, VIRTUS Trained.

  • Nicole Carlon

    Certified Instructor

  • Katie McCarthy

    Assistant

  • Bennie

    KITK’s very active, four-legged friend

Proudly serving schools including

  • Greenwich Academy
  • Sacred Heart Greenwich
  • Round Hill Nursery School
  • Piper’s Hill Preschool
  • Hart Magnet Elementary
  • Roxbury Elementary
  • Stillmeadow Elementary
  • St. Thomas Aquinas
  • Greenwich Catholic
  • Stamford Park & Rec
  • and more!

Bring Hands-On Cooking Enrichment to Your School

From preschool cooking to elementary after-school programs and special events, Kids in the Kitchen brings engaging, hands-on learning to students across Fairfield County.

Cathy McCarthy, Owner and Director of Kids in the Kitchen

“Kids in the Kitchen was created to help children learn by doing. Through cooking, students practice teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills they can use beyond the kitchen.”

Cathy McCarthy, Owner & Director

[email protected]