About the Teaching Kitchen at Boston Medical Center
What We Do
As a component of Nourishing Our Community, the BMC Teaching Kitchen is a dynamic program that offers interactive, patient-focused nutrition education through hands-on learning. We provide engaging virtual and in-person classes that help participants:
- Apply nutrition science to real food and culturally safe, nutritious meals.
- Build skills to improve capacity and foster positive behavior change.
- Cultivate connections through shared experiences and community bonds.
Who We Serve
Patients
Participate in classes tailored to complement their medical care, supporting adult and pediatric populations in outpatient settings.
Community
Attend FREE classes that celebrate diverse foodways, promote healthier eating habits, and build awareness of the Nourishing Our Community program.
Staff and Students
Clinicians, trainees, and students can join FREE classes to enhance their own dietary habits and engage in opportunities for professional development.
Meet Our Team
Our program is facilitated by culinary experts and registered dietitian nutritionists credentialed through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Olivia (Weinstein) Thomas, MS, RD, LDN
Director of Nutrition Innovation and Implementation at Boston Medical Center (BMC), Olivia connects the Nourishing Our Community program with clinical and community partners to advance health equity. She specializes in integrating culinary medicine into care and creating culturally affirming, community-driven programs. A doctoral candidate, Olivia also holds leadership roles with the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Gabrielle Simons, MS, RD, LDN
As the Teaching Kitchen Manager at Boston Medical Center's Nourishing Our Community Program, Gabrielle plans and leads culinary nutrition workshops, demos, and series for patients, staff, and students. Her programs focus on cooking and nutrition for mental health, chronic disease management, and wellness.
Paige Rizzuto, MPS, RDN
Paige is a Virtual Culinary Dietitian at Boston Medical Center's Nourishing Our Community Program. She leads virtual culinary nutrition classes and workshops, focusing on chronic disease management, wellness, and prevention. Passionate about health equity and culinary education, Paige empowers participants with practical skills for sustainable, health-focused choices.